CCTV issued in new appeal to trace missing 14-year-old
13 December 2012
Incident Location
Croydon
Description
Detectives investigating the disappearance of missing teenager Shelley Pratt are today, Thursday 13 December releasing a new CCTV still of a young man seen with her in a bid to trace his identity.
The still, which was taken at approx 00:13hrs on Friday 9 November, show 14-year-old Shelley in the company of a young black man walking along High Street close to the Reflex Bar.
Shortly after at 00:18hrs we understand that Shelly's Oyster card was then used to board a route 60 bus heading towards Coulsdon.
Shelley is seen wearing her school uniform trousers and a distinctive dark purple hooded jumper with the slogan 'I love (heart symbol) London.'
Earlier that day, Shelley was seen at approx 15:30hrs after she got off a route 196 bus on Portland Road outside the Harris Academy. Shelley then started to walk south down Portland Road in the company of one other girl and a boy.
Shelley was then picked up by CCTV at George Street tram stop in Croydon Town Centre at approx 21:30hrs.
Shelley is described as white and around 5'6" or 5'7" inches tall with long brown hair.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dunne said: "It has now been five weeks since Shelley went missing and concerns for her safety and welfare especially in this extremely cold weather are heightened.
"Shelley has had absolutely no contact with friends or family since her disappearance and it is possible that she may be with someone, perhaps in a house or a flat. I am encouraging people, particularly Croydon residents to look closely at the image of the young man seen next to her. Do you recognise him or see him moments before approaching Shelley, talking to a number of passing girls on the opposite pavement, clearly trying to get their attention?
"As a result of our appeals we have received a number of unconfirmed sightings during November and December which we are in the process of following up.
"I continue to encourage Croydon residents to be 'nosey neighbours' and be extra vigilant as to the movements of any young people who are new to the area. I urge anyone who may have seen Shelley to contact us."
Shelley's parents Lisa and Tony Pratt, said: "Shellz, please get in touch with us, we are desperate to hear your voice and know that you are safe and well. You're not in trouble. We love you and we miss you and just want you home, without you there will be no Christmas. Your presents are under the tree waiting for you. We are all missing you like mad. We love you, please please come home."
Anyone with information about Shelley's whereabouts is urged to call the incident room on 020 8721 4906.
- CCTV still