South Wales Police launch urgent appeal for 14-year-old Megan who vanished on Sunday afternoon
A desperate search has been launched for a teenage girl with “distinctive tattoos” who vanished from her home in Skewen on Sunday afternoon, with South Wales Police urging anyone who sees her to call 999 immediately.
Megan, 14, was last seen on Sunday, 20 July, on Bosworth Road, Skewen at around 2:30pm. The teenager has not been seen since, prompting an intensive missing person investigation.
Police have released a description of the missing schoolgirl, who is approximately 5ft 2in tall and has recently changed her hair colour from blonde to black. When she vanished, she was reportedly wearing a white top and jeans.
Distinctive Features Highlighted
Officers have pointed out Megan’s “distinctive tattoos” as key identifying features that could help the public recognise her. She has a tattoo of flowers on her right leg and a tattoo of a cross on one of her thumbs.
South Wales Police said: “Help us find Megan, 14. Last seen yesterday, Sun Jul 20, & 2.30pm on Bosworth Road, Skewen. 5ft2 & has black hair rather than blonde hair. Possibly wearing a white top & jeans. Tattoo of flowers on her right leg & tattoo of a cross on one of her thumbs. Quote 2500231824.”
Police and Megan’s family are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare as the search continues into its second day.
Search Procedures Under Way
Police forces are required to submit case details to the Missing Persons Bureau (MPB) in relation to all people reported missing in the UK who are still missing after 72 hours, highlighting the critical nature of the early stages of any missing person investigation.
When a child goes missing, established procedures are followed by police forces across Wales. Missing episodes are the biggest indicator that a child is being exploited, according to Complex Safeguarding Wales at Cardiff University.
When someone is found, the police have several steps to complete in order to close down their investigation. This includes conducting what is known as a “Safe and Well Check” to ensure the person has not been a victim of crime and will not come to further harm.
Community Appeal
South Wales Police have urged anyone who may have information, no matter how minor, to come forward. The force emphasised the importance of public assistance in missing person cases.
Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. South Wales Police receives, on average, more than 8,000 missing persons reports every year, demonstrating the scale of missing person investigations handled by the force.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no requirement to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing. Do I have to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing? No, that is a myth, South Wales Police clarifies on their website.
Critical Time Frame
The first 72 hours of a missing person investigation are particularly crucial. Investigators are essentially working against the clock, as with each passing hour decreases the likelihood that the subject will be found, according to criminology experts.
The first 48 hours are also critical because that’s when investigators have the best chance of following up on leads, before people’s memories start to fade, Dr. Bryanna Fox, former FBI agent and criminology professor at the University of South Florida, told ABC News.
Support for Found Children
When missing children are located, specific procedures are in place to ensure their welfare. Return interviews should be held within 72 hours of the young person being found, according to Wales Safeguarding Procedures.
These interviews provide young people with an opportunity to discuss what led to them going missing and any support they might need going forward.
Public Assistance Vital
South Wales Police continue to appeal for public assistance in locating Megan. At South Wales Police we have dedicated Missing Persons Teams and officers and staff who specialise in dealing with everything from Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), Criminal Exploitation, Adults at Risk, and Mental Health.
The force has access to various resources to assist in missing person searches, including specialist search teams, drone technology, and the National Police Air Service.
Anyone who sees Megan or has information about her whereabouts should contact South Wales Police immediately on 999, quoting reference number 2500231824.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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