Police checking ports for missing girl, 15

Police searching for a schoolgirl feared to have been abducted in Northern Ireland were checking ports today.

Police searching for a schoolgirl feared to have been abducted in the North were checking ports today.

Hotels and bed and breakfast owners in Belfast have also been urged to look out for Emma Wilson, 15, who is believed to be under the control of an older man.

Detectives involved in the hunt revealed that Emma, who went missing from her home in Portrush on the north Antrim coast last Thursday, was regarded as a vulnerable youngster.

Inspector Gary Crawford, who is heading the investigation, said: “We are very concerned about Emma’s welfare.

“She’s believed to have been in the Portrush area up until yesterday morning, where she boarded a train for Belfast.

“She was with a male who was much older than her, possibly in his 20s. He’s described as about 5ft 10ins, of very slim build with distinctive bleach blond hair.”

Police are uncertain of Emma’s movements since she got off the train, wearing her school uniform of a grey jumper and trousers and blue blazer.

Although officers hope she has not yet moved on from the city, Mr Crawford confirmed airports and ferry terminals will be watched.

He said: “I would also appeal for any guest houses or hotels in the Belfast area, if they see anybody matching this description, to contact the police immediately, as we are very concerned for Emma’s safety.”

The teenager is described as 5ft 1in and of thin build, with shoulder-length dark brown hair with blonde streaks.

“Emma is a young, very vulnerable young girl. She is described as being easily influenced,” Mr Crawford told BBC Radio Ulster.

“She has obviously been hanging around the Portrush area with other teenage girls and we think this person has befriended her.”