Family 'really worried' for teen who vanished a week ago

A distraught family has spoken out amid growing concern for a teenager who went missing a week ago.

Leah Lakeman, 15, from Mottram in Langdendale, Tameside, vanished last Saturday. Although she has been missing before, she usually keeps in touch but on this occasion she hasn't contacted her family, according to her aunty.

Leah is said to have been spotted at Piccadilly railway station three days ago.

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Speaking on behalf of her family, Leah's aunty Paula Ormiston, 31, told the M.E.N: "We are really worried. Normally when she goes missing she does keep in touch with us, even if she doesn't say where she is.

"It's been a week and we've heard nothing from her."

She said the teenager started running away from home two years ago. She has previously been found in Kent and Blackpool.

Leah was spoken to three days ago by officers from British Transport Police at Piccadilly railway station but she gave officers a false date of birth, according to Paula.

Greater Manchester Police issued their own appeal concerning Leah yesterday (Friday). She is said to be 5ft 5in tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

"Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of Leah Lakeman,” the force said in a statement.

"She is described as being a white female, aged 15 years, 5’ 5” tall and of medium build. She has brown eyes and long brown hair. If you have seen her, please contact GMP on 0161 856 9262."

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