Police appeal as fears grow over missing 16-year-old girl

Mary Kelly, who comes from Shrewsbury but lives in the Stoke on Trent area, has been missing since last Saturday.

A police search is underway in both Shropshire and Staffordshire as fears grow for her safety. Mary, a student, is considered vulnerable and officers are anxious to trace her.

Detective Inspector Mick Homden, of West Mercia Police, said today: “We need to establish Mary’s whereabouts to ensure she is safe and well. Obviously, as time passes, we are becoming increasingly concerned about her well-being.

“I would ask her to contact the police in Shropshire by calling 0300-333-3000 or to visit any police station. Please do get in touch without delay because everyone is concerned about you.”

DI Homden said Mary had been with relatives in Shrewsbury on Saturday. She was last seen at around 10am saying she would be back later that evening but failed to return.

“We believe she caught a bus the following day from Shrewsbury, arriving alone at Hanley in Stoke shortly after 1pm. We have also received information that she may have visited the Burslem area.

“Police officers in Staffordshire and Shropshire are continuing the search and I would urge Mary to make contact, or indeed, anyone else who knows of her whereabouts.”

Mary has short red hair and is 5ft 1in tall. She usually wears a gold ring on her right hand with a red stone surrounded by white stones.

When last seen, she was wearing a short black skirt, white t-shirt, pink shoes and a faded denim jacket with a hood.