Thames Valley Police have launched an urgent appeal to find a woman and young girl who disappeared more than three weeks ago, with officers expressing extreme concern for their welfare.
Sally-Jean, 37, and eight-year-old Ava were last seen in Tilehurst, Reading, on 25 August but were only reported missing on Monday, prompting an immediate search operation. The three-week gap between their disappearance and the missing persons report has heightened police concerns about the pair’s safety.
Inspector Iain Watkinson said: “We are extremely concerned for the welfare of Sally-Jean and Ava and we have been working hard to find them since they were reported missing on Monday. We are now appealing for the public’s help.”
Descriptions Released
Ava is described as black with an afro hairstyle. Sally-Jean is white, approximately 5ft 4in tall, with long brown hair, green eyes and tattoos including a large distinctive tattoo on her right lower arm.
Police confirmed Sally-Jean has links to Reading, Caversham and Tilehurst areas where she may have sought refuge. Officers have not revealed why there was a three-week delay before the pair were reported missing.
Search Operation Underway
Thames Valley Police are conducting door-to-door enquiries in Tilehurst where the pair were last seen, whilst expanding searches to Caversham and other parts of Reading where Sally-Jean has connections.
Officers are reviewing CCTV footage from late August and checking with local businesses and transport hubs. The force is also liaising with other police forces in case the pair have travelled outside the Thames Valley area.
Community Response
Local residents have been sharing police appeals across social media platforms and neighbourhood groups. Businesses have displayed missing person posters whilst Thames Valley Alert has been activated to spread awareness across Berkshire.
Police have not revealed whether Sally-Jean and Ava are related or the nature of their relationship. The force has not commented on whether they are treating the disappearance as suspicious or if they believe the pair left voluntarily.
Public Appeal
Inspector Watkinson emphasised: “Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call 101 or make a report on our website.”
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw Sally-Jean and Ava in the Tilehurst area around 25 August or in the following days. They are also appealing to anyone who might have offered them accommodation or assistance to come forward.
The force stresses that anyone who may have helped Sally-Jean and Ava, even unknowingly, will not face prosecution if they come forward with information that helps locate them safely.
Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or through their website. In an emergency or if someone sees Sally-Jean and Ava, they should call 999 immediately.
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