Missing Belfast girl 'may be in Republic'

RUC officers trying to trace the whereabouts of a young girl who has been missing for the last ten days say they believe she may be in the Republic.

RUC officers trying to trace the whereabouts of a young girl who has been missing for the last 10 days say they believe she may be in the Republic.

Five-year-old Shannon O'Brien from west Belfast was last seen in the company of her father, Gerard McCullagh, on April 10 and the RUC said it is growing increasingly concerned for her safety.

Shannon is described as of average height and thin build, with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

Her father is around 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build, with blue eyes and sandy hair.

He sometimes wears glasses.

The RUC said it believes the pair may be in the Mayo/Longford area.

Mr McCullagh was last seen driving a silver-coloured Toyota Carina, registration SXI 3946.