A desperate search for a missing teenager who disappeared 17 days ago has escalated with an investigative crime unit now joining in.
Isla Bell, 19, was last seen leaving her home in Brunswick, inner-north Melbourne, at about 6pm on October 4.
Her friends and family have since shared multiple photos of the young woman online and urged anyone who sees her to contact police, particularly if she is accompanied by an ‘older male’.
Ms Bell’s mother, Justine Spokes, first shared her worries online last week.
‘My girl is missing and dearly missed,’ she wrote on Facebook.
‘She leaves an impression, she’s hard to forget. She has a fighting spirit, sometimes it’s loud and sometimes it’s soft, always enduring.
‘We’re here for you bub. I love you my care bear.’
Ms Spokes later revealed the family had been planning to visit the Great Barrier Reef for Ms Bell’s 20th birthday and became alarmed after they couldn’t contact her.
Isla Bell (pictured), 19, was last seen leaving her home in Brunswick, north Melbourne, about 6pm on October 4
Ms Bell (pictured) disappeared 17 days ago with friends and family asking the public to help find her
‘Hey bub. We’re looking forward to our reef trip for your birthday coming up,’ she wrote in a public message to Ms Bell.
‘We’ve been trying to call you to book flights. Let us know your thoughts.
‘We love you my darling.’
A close friend of Ms Bell’s, Tamara Griffiths, has also posted multiple updates about the search for the missing teenager.
She claimed the Fawkner Crime Investigation Unit has been assigned to the 19-year-old’s case.
‘If you see someone matching Isla’s description, especially in the company of an older male, please report it immediately,’ Ms Griffiths wrote in one post.
‘Do not approach or intervene – your safety is important too.
‘Isla is deeply loved by her family and friends. Every share, every set of eyes looking out for her, brings us one step closer to bringing her home safely.’
Victoria Police are investigating Ms Bell’s disappearance and described her as having a ‘slim build, red hair, pale complexion and with nose, lip and eyebrow piercings’.
‘Police and family have concerns for her welfare due to the length of time she has been missing,’ it said in a statement.
‘Isla may have travelled into the Melbourne CBD.’
Friends and family of Ms Bell (pictured) urged anyone who sees her to contact police, particularly if she is accompanied by an ‘older male’
The Fawkner Crime Investigation Unit has reportedly been assigned to Ms bell’s (pictured) case
Ms Griffiths shared a more detailed description of Ms Bell on Sunday, noting she is 160cm tall and weighs 55kg.
‘Long red wavy hair past waist, multiple facial piercings and tattoos on her right leg, left thumb – symbol, and left ring finger – loveheart,’ she said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Brunswick Police Station on 8378 6000.
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