Police have launched a major air and ground search operation for a missing 14-year-old girl who vanished from her home in a remote North Yorkshire village. Isabelle was last seen at approximately 2pm on Thursday in Thixendale, a tiny village nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds about 10 miles south of Malton.
North Yorkshire Police confirmed that the teenager was reported missing at 7:45pm yesterday evening when she failed to return home. Officers are increasingly concerned for her safety as the search enters its second day, with specialist teams scouring the challenging terrain of the Yorkshire Wolds.
A police helicopter was deployed overnight to search the rural landscape surrounding Thixendale, which sits at the meeting point of six valleys approximately 20 miles east of York. Ground search teams have been working continuously through the night and into Friday morning, covering the network of footpaths and trails that crisscross the area.
Description and Last Known Movements
Officers believe Isabelle may have been riding a black bicycle and wearing a pink cycling helmet when she disappeared. The force has released a recent photograph of the teenager, though they note her appearance has changed since the image was taken.
“She has not been seen since around 2pm and we’re concerned for her safety,” a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson stated. “Her hair is no longer braided and is now described as long and frizzy or straight.”
Police have provided a detailed description of what Isabelle may be wearing: a cream or white Fox hoodie, tie-dye maroon Nike jogging trousers, and brown walking boots. The combination of clothing suggests she may have been dressed for outdoor activities when she left home.
Remote Village Location Complicates Search
Thixendale, with a population of approximately 130 residents, is known as one of the most remote villages in the Yorkshire Wolds. The hamlet is surrounded by rolling chalk grasslands and sits near the midway point of the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail, making it popular with walkers and cyclists.
The village’s isolated location, whilst picturesque, presents significant challenges for search teams. Mobile phone signal is notoriously poor in the area, and the surrounding landscape features numerous valleys, ancient dykes, and challenging terrain that could prove hazardous to someone unfamiliar with the routes.
Local sources confirm that Thixendale is accessed via minor roads and is situated two miles north-west of Fridaythorpe, off the A166. The nearest substantial towns are Malton to the north, Pocklington to the south, and York approximately 20 miles to the west.
Urgent Appeal for Information
North Yorkshire Police have issued an urgent appeal to anyone who may have information about Isabelle’s whereabouts. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen her cycling in the area since Thursday afternoon.
“We’re appealing for information, including anyone who may have seen her cycling in the area, has dashcam or CCTV footage of her in the area since yesterday evening, or anyone who has any other information,” the force stated in their official appeal.
Officers are urging motorists who travelled through the Thixendale area or along the surrounding rural roads on Thursday afternoon or evening to check their dashcam footage. Given the remote nature of the village, any vehicle movements are likely to be significant to the investigation.
The force has established two contact numbers for the public. Anyone with information about Isabelle’s whereabouts should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. However, if anyone sees Isabelle, they are urged to call 999 immediately.
Search Intensifies
The search operation represents a significant deployment of resources, with the police helicopter conducting aerial sweeps of the expansive Yorkshire Wolds landscape. The terrain around Thixendale includes deep valleys, woodland areas, and extensive agricultural land, all of which require systematic searching.
Ground teams are focusing on the numerous footpaths and bridleways that radiate from the village, including sections of the Yorkshire Wolds Way and the Centenary Way walking routes. The area is also popular with cyclists, and officers are checking known cycling routes that Isabelle may have taken.
Local residents have been asked to check outbuildings, sheds, and any areas where a teenager might seek shelter. The rural nature of the area means there are numerous farm buildings and isolated structures that could provide temporary refuge.
Community Response
The tight-knit community of Thixendale and surrounding villages has been mobilised to assist in the search efforts. Local farmers and landowners are being contacted to check their properties and to report any unusual sightings or discoveries.
The village’s only pub, The Cross Keys, and other local businesses have been asked to review any CCTV footage they may have from Thursday afternoon. Despite the limited commercial premises in the village, every potential source of information is being pursued.
Search coordinators are also liaising with local walking groups and cycling clubs who regularly use the routes around Thixendale, asking members to be vigilant and report any relevant information.
Weather Concerns
With Isabelle having been missing overnight, concerns are growing about her exposure to the elements. July temperatures in the Yorkshire Wolds can drop significantly during the night, particularly in the exposed valleys and hillsides that characterise the landscape around Thixendale.
The weather conditions on Thursday evening and overnight were reportedly mild, but the remote location and challenging terrain add to concerns about the teenager’s welfare, particularly if she has become lost or injured whilst cycling.
Police Statement
North Yorkshire Police continue to coordinate the search operation from their Malton station, with senior officers overseeing the deployment of resources. The force has emphasised the urgency of locating Isabelle and has committed significant resources to the search operation.
“Ground searches and air searches using a police helicopter have taken place overnight and continue today,” the force confirmed in their latest update. The sustained nature of the search operation underscores the serious concerns for Isabelle’s safety.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact police immediately. Officers stress that any detail could prove crucial in locating the missing teenager and reuniting her with her family.
The search for Isabelle continues as this report goes to press, with police maintaining their urgent appeal for public assistance in locating the missing 14-year-old.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
