Police have launched an urgent appeal to find a mother and her teenage daughter who vanished from their Worcestershire home eight days ago, with officers growing “increasingly concerned” for their welfare.
Hannah Sheehan, 45, and her daughter Lydia Sheehan, 14, were last seen near Sheldon Close in Pershore at approximately 10.30am on Friday 18 July. West Mercia Police raised the alarm after the pair failed to return home, sparking a major missing persons investigation.
Officers believe the mother and daughter may have travelled to another area, with investigators focusing their search on locations where the family have known connections, including Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington Spa, Redditch and Wellesbourne.
Police Appeal for Public Assistance
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “We, along with Hannah and Lydia’s family and friends, are growing increasingly concerned for their welfare. It is believed they may have travelled to another area, as they have links to Stratford, Leamington Spa, Redditch and Wellesbourne.”
The force has urged anyone with information to contact them immediately, emphasising the urgency of the situation as the search enters its second week.
Hannah Sheehan has been described as white, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, of slim build, with shoulder-length brown hair featuring blonde highlights. Her daughter Lydia is also white, with brown shoulder-length hair and brown eyes.
Immediate Action Requested
Police have stressed the importance of immediate action if either Hannah or Lydia are spotted, asking the public to call 999 straight away, quoting reference 316i of 23 July.
“Please call 999 immediately, quoting reference 316i of 23 July, if you see Hannah and Lydia, or have any information on their whereabouts,” the West Mercia Police spokesperson added.
The disappearance comes at a time when missing persons cases remain a significant concern across the UK. According to the National Crime Agency’s UK Missing Persons Unit, over 170,000 people are reported missing every year in Britain, with someone reported missing every 90 seconds.
Missing Children Statistics
Whilst the majority of missing persons cases involving children are resolved quickly – with 80% located within 24 hours and 98% found without harm – the extended duration of Hannah and Lydia’s disappearance has heightened concerns among investigators and family members.
The Cotswold Journal first reported the missing persons case, noting that both mother and daughter had been missing for over a week when the public appeal was issued. The case has since been circulated widely across social media platforms and local news outlets in an effort to generate leads.
Search Efforts Intensify
West Mercia Police covers the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, serving a population of approximately 1.2 million people. The force has extensive experience in missing persons investigations and works closely with partner agencies including West Mercia Search and Rescue, a voluntary organisation that assists in searches for missing individuals.
Officers are particularly focusing their inquiries on the areas where the Sheehans have known connections. Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa, both in neighbouring Warwickshire, are approximately 20-30 miles from Pershore, whilst Redditch lies about 15 miles to the north and Wellesbourne is situated between Stratford and Leamington Spa.
Public Vigilance Crucial
Missing persons experts emphasise that public vigilance plays a crucial role in resolving such cases. The charity Missing People notes that whilst police data provides official statistics, research suggests that as many as seven in ten missing children incidents may not be reported to authorities, making community awareness even more vital.
The police definition of a missing person is “anyone whose whereabouts cannot be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the context suggests the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or another.”
Support for Families
For families experiencing the trauma of a missing loved one, support services are available. Missing People operates a 24-hour helpline (116 000) offering support to missing children, adults and families left behind. The charity also provides publicity support, helping to circulate appeals through social media and traditional media channels.
West Mercia Police has confirmed that officers are following all standard procedures for missing persons cases, which may include checking CCTV footage, analysing mobile phone data where available, conducting searches of relevant locations, and liaising with other police forces in areas where the missing persons have connections.
How to Help
Members of the public who believe they have seen Hannah or Lydia Sheehan are urged not to approach them but to contact police immediately on 999, providing as much detail as possible about the sighting, including:
- Exact location and time
- Direction of travel
- Any vehicles involved
- Clothing or appearance details
- Any companions
For non-urgent information that might assist the investigation, the public can also contact West Mercia Police on 101 or submit information online through the force’s website.
As the search continues, police remain hopeful that public assistance will prove crucial in reuniting Hannah and Lydia with their worried family and friends. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the vital role the public plays in helping to trace missing persons.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is encouraged to contact police immediately. In missing persons cases, even the smallest detail can prove vital in bringing about a safe resolution.
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