Birmingham, UK — West Midlands Police have launched an urgent search for a 17-year-old girl who was last seen late Monday night near her home in Birmingham’s Selly Oak area, sparking widespread concern among residents and a growing social media campaign to locate her.
The missing teenager, Amelia Roberts, was last spotted at approximately 10:15 p.m. leaving a friend’s house on Bristol Road, heading toward the direction of Selly Park. Since then, she has not been in contact with family or friends, and her phone has been switched off — raising fears for her safety.
Police and family members are appealing to the public for any information that could help find Amelia, describing her disappearance as “completely out of character.”
Last Known Movements
According to police reports, Amelia was last seen wearing a black hoodie with white stripes, blue jeans, and white Nike trainers. She was carrying a small grey backpack and may have been wearing earbuds when she was last seen walking alone.
CCTV footage from a nearby shop captured her walking past Bristol Road South around 10:22 p.m., but no further confirmed sightings have been made since that time. Police say she may have used public transport or possibly been picked up by a vehicle.
Her parents, Mark and Sarah Roberts, reported her missing after she failed to return home and did not respond to calls or messages through the night.
“Amelia always keeps in touch — even if she’s out late. When we couldn’t reach her, we knew something was wrong,” said her mother through tears. “We’re desperate for any information. Please, if you’ve seen her or know where she might be, let the police know.”
Police Appeal: “Every Hour Matters”
West Midlands Police confirmed that they are treating Amelia’s disappearance as a high-risk missing person case, deploying specialist search units including drone teams, sniffer dogs, and helicopter support.
Detective Inspector Tom Harding, who is leading the search, told reporters:
“Amelia’s disappearance is deeply concerning given her age and the fact that this is completely out of character. Our priority is to find her safe and well. We are reviewing CCTV footage, checking public transport routes, and speaking to anyone who may have seen her after 10 p.m. Monday.”
Police are also coordinating with National Rail and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to track whether Amelia may have boarded a train or bus late that evening.
Community Response: City Unites to Find Amelia
Since the appeal was launched Tuesday morning, residents across Birmingham have mobilized to help find Amelia. Posters have been placed in local shops, bus stops, and schools, while thousands of social media users have shared her photo using the hashtag #FindAmeliaRoberts.
Community groups and volunteers have organized search parties covering key areas such as Selly Park, Cannon Hill Park, and Bournbrook.
One volunteer, Lucy Jones, said:
“Birmingham always comes together in moments like this. Amelia is one of our own. Everyone’s out there searching — parks, paths, canals, anywhere she might be.”
The local charity Missing People UK has also joined the effort, offering a 24-hour confidential helpline for anyone who might have information or may have seen Amelia.
Possible Leads and Ongoing Investigations
Police sources have confirmed that there were two potential sightings of a girl matching Amelia’s description near Bournville train station around 11 p.m. Monday and again on Tuesday morning near Cadbury World. However, these sightings remain unconfirmed, and officers are working to obtain CCTV from nearby premises.
Investigators are also looking into her recent social media activity and messages to determine if she had planned to meet someone or travel outside Birmingham.
Detective Harding emphasized that while there is no current evidence of foul play, police are keeping all possibilities open and continuing to pursue every lead.
“We’re examining every detail — from her online messages to transport logs. Our appeal remains simple: if you saw Amelia, even briefly, please come forward.”
Family’s Heartfelt Plea
Amelia’s father, Mark Roberts, appeared on a local radio station Wednesday morning to make a direct appeal to his daughter:
“Amelia, if you hear this, please just call us. You’re not in trouble. We just need to know you’re safe. Everyone is looking for you and loves you so much.”
The Roberts family described Amelia as a “bright, funny, and kind-hearted girl” who dreams of studying graphic design at university next year. Her teachers at Selly Oak Sixth Form College said she was well-liked among peers and had shown no signs of distress prior to her disappearance.
Police Expand Search Area
By Thursday, police had expanded the search radius to include King’s Norton, Edgbaston Reservoir, and parts of Moseley, deploying additional patrols and specialist officers.
Residents have been urged to check gardens, sheds, garages, and any outbuildings, as it’s possible Amelia may have sought shelter. Officers have also asked delivery drivers and taxi services operating in the area Monday night to review any dashcam footage that could show her movements.
“The smallest detail could make a massive difference,” DI Harding added. “We’re asking everyone to think back — did you see a teenage girl walking alone late that night? Did someone get into your taxi without booking? Anything unusual could help us bring Amelia home.”
Safety Reminder for Families
Authorities have also used this case to remind families of the importance of discussing personal safety and digital awareness with teenagers.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) advises parents to:
- Encourage children to share travel plans and live locations.
- Keep emergency contacts saved in their phones.
- Use check-in apps for real-time updates when travelling alone.
Inspector Harding noted that such measures can be life-saving:
“Every precaution helps us respond faster in critical situations like this. The first 48 hours are often the most crucial.”
How to Help
West Midlands Police are urging anyone with information to call 101 quoting case reference 25BW/2436/25 or report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
They are particularly interested in any dashcam, CCTV, or mobile footage from Bristol Road, Selly Park, or Bournville between 9:30 p.m. Monday and 12:00 a.m. Tuesday.
Residents can also assist by sharing Amelia’s missing poster on verified community pages and avoiding spreading unconfirmed information.
Community Hope Remains
Despite the uncertainty, the Birmingham community remains determined and hopeful. Hundreds of residents have joined night searches, holding torches and flashlights as they comb local parks and canals.
Amelia’s best friend, Ella Thompson, shared an emotional message on social media:
“We miss you, Amelia. Everyone’s waiting for you. Please come home soon — nothing’s the same without you.”
As police continue their tireless work, one message echoes throughout the city — Birmingham won’t stop searching until Amelia is found safe and reunited with her family.
