An urgent appeal has been issued by police after an eight-year-old girl has gone missing from outside a school in Blackpool.
Darcy Shea was reportedly last seen outside St Cuthbert's Primary School on Lightfoot Avenue shortly before 9am on May 27. She is believed to have left the school with a 60-year-old woman named Jane Prior, Lancs Live reports.
While there is ongoing concern for Darcy's welfare, the force does not believe she is at "immediate risk". While Ms Prior is known to Darcy, she does not have permission to take her from school and may have taken her in a blue Mitsubishi Colt car with the registration SP56 RHO.
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Darcy has been described as having blond hair in a ponytail and white skin. She was last seen wearing a royal blue cardigan brandishing the St Cuthbert's school badge alongside a white polo shirt, a skirt and white socks.
Ms Prior is believed to have links to Preston and North Wales, however, police have stated that she may still be in the local area with officers carrying out a number of searches and enquiries. Supt Becky Smith, of Lancashire Police, said: “While there is no suggestion that Darcy is at any immediate risk we are growing more and more concerned about her welfare as time goes on. Jane Prior and Darcy are known to one another but Jane did not have permission to take her from the school and we need to find them both as soon as we can.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious at the school this morning or who sees Darcy in company with an older woman to get in touch immediately. Please can anyone in a park or open space or at an amusement park please keep their eyes open.
“Jane , please get in touch with us. It is obvious that you care for Darcy but as time goes on her family are understandably becoming increasingly concerned and as a mother I would urge you to make contact with us urgently and return Darcy as she too will be confused. Whatever the reasons are that have led to this incident today, we will listen to you and look to give you any support that you need. I have specially trained officers ready to take your call now so please call us on 07929 764987.
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