Appeal to find ‘vulnerable’ teen missing since last week
THE sister of a teenager missing for six days has issued a heartfelt plea for her to return.
Halifax teenager Tara Whelan vanished six days ago and her family is desperate for answers.
Chantelle issued an urgent appeal through The Examiner to her sister, who she described as ‘very vulnerable.’
Chantelle, the eldest of three sisters, said Tara had gone missing before but had always come home a few hours later.
She said Tara had been suffering from depression but hadn’t taken her anti-depression tablets with her.
Tara, a student at Calderdale College in Halifax, lives with mum Susan, sister Natalie, and brother Lee at the family home at Savile Park, Halifax.
Chantelle appealed to her sister to come home or get in touch.
“Tara please come home or get in contact to let us know you are safe – we are all worried and everyone misses you dearly,” she said. Detectives with West Yorkshire Police are continuing to investigate Tara’s disappearance.
In an urgent appeal issued on Sunday, the Force said it was growing increasingly worried for the teenager’s welfare.
Tara was last seen on Market Street in Halifax town centre on the morning of Tuesday, December 15.
Police now believe that she was in the Parkinson Lane/Queen’s Road area of Halifax at around 1pm on Tuesday, December 15.
A 39-year-old man from the Halifax area has been arrested in connection with her disappearance and remained in police custody.
Tara is described as white, 5ft7 tall, medium build, pale complexion, blonde hair and glasses. She was last seen wearing a white top, black leggings, a dark green parka coat with fur around the hood, black ankle boots and a large purple over-the-shoulder handbag.
Detective Superintendent Mark Swift of West Yorkshire Police said: “It is out of character for Tara to be out of contact with her family for this long and we are growing increasingly concerned that she has not been in contact with them.
“I would appeal directly to anyone who knows where Tara is or who has seen her over the last few days to come forward.”
Anyone who might know of Tara’s whereabouts contact West Yorkshire Police and call 999, or via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat quoting log 1707 of 15 December. Information can also be given to the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) which can be accessed at https://mipp.police.uk/ operation/13XM020120S61PO1