Police warned that any friend providing shelter to missing Dundee girl Michaela Hunter was “adding to the anguish being suffered by her mother.”
It is believed the missing 13-year-old has changed clothing since her disappearance and officers have expressed frustration at being “fed deliberately misleading” information regarding her whereabouts.
She was last seen wearing black trousers, a white shirt, a black cardigan and a grey and pink jacket, but it is believed that she has changed clothing and may well now be wearing a grey jacket, jeans and trainers.
Detective Inspector Bobby Dow said, “It would be very difficult for a 13-year-old girl to look after herself for such a period of time without the assistance of others and Tayside Police would like to stress that if anyone is providing shelter for Michaela, despite it being with best intentions, then they are only hindering enquiries to trace Michaela and adding to the anguish being suffered by her mother.”
Police are becoming “increasingly concerned” for the teenager, who left her home in Dundee’s Yeaman’s Lane at 12.30pm last Monday.
A large number of uniformed officers carried out enquiries over the weekend, including re-interviewing friends and associates and visiting areas frequented by youths, particularly in the Charleston and Menzieshill areas.
Following a sighting of Michaela in the Wellgate Shopping Centre on Friday in the company of an unknown male, extensive CCTV reviews have taken place.
The man is described as five feet seven inches tall, skinny build, with shoulder length brown wavy hair, patchy facial hair and wearing a dark blue tracksuit top with pale blue flashing and a dark hood.
Mr Dow added, “It was hoped that following a direct appeal from her mother on Friday that Michaela would return home. However, unfortunately she did not do so.
“Tayside Police want to stress that Michaela is not in any trouble and the only concern is for her to return safe and well.”
The teenager is described as being around five feet tall, of slim build, with brown eyes and long brown hair.
Police urge anyone with knowledge of Michaela’s whereabouts, or of the identity of the male she was with on Friday, to come forward as soon as possible.
They should approach any officer or contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.