Key Points
- Oxfordshire girl, 15, reported missing.
- She left with a friend last week.
- Family describe themselves as “very concerned”.
- Police urge public to come forward.
- Searches and appeals continue across county.
Oxfordshire (Oxford Daily News) 6 February 2026 – The family of a 15‑year‑old girl from Oxfordshire have said they are “very concerned” for her safety after she went missing with a friend, prompting a growing police appeal across the county.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that the teenager, who has not been named for legal reasons, was last seen leaving home in the Oxfordshire town of uk/local/banbury/">Banbury with another young person on the evening of 30 January 2026. Officers said the pair were believed to have travelled together but had not been seen since, and that both families were now extremely worried.
Local media outlets, including the Oxford Mail and BBC Oxford, have highlighted that the girl’s parents have issued a public plea for anyone with information to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
In a statement read out on BBC Radio Oxford, the mother said: “We just want her to come home safe; we are very concerned and can’t stop thinking about where she might be.”
What triggered the missing‑person alert?
According to Thames Valley Police, the missing‑person report was filed on 1 February 2026 after the teenager failed to return home or contact her family for several days.
A spokesperson told the Oxford Mail: “We are treating this as a high‑priority missing‑person investigation and are working closely with the family and partner agencies.”
As reported by journalist Sarah Bennett of the Oxford Mail, the girl’s school in Banbury had also raised concerns when she did not attend lessons or respond to messages from staff.
The school’s headteacher, Dr Helen Carter, told the paper: “We are deeply worried for her wellbeing and have reminded students that if they know anything, they should speak to a trusted adult or the police.”
What do police know about her movements?
Thames Valley Police said initial inquiries suggest the girl and her friend may have travelled to nearby towns within Oxfordshire and possibly into neighbouring counties.
Detective Inspector Mark Ellis, leading the investigation, told BBC Oxford: “We believe they may have been seen in or around Bicester and possibly Reading, but we have no confirmed sightings and are appealing for anyone who thinks they may have seen them to come forward.”
CCTV footage from bus stations and town‑centre cameras is being reviewed, and officers have circulated images of the girl to local businesses and transport hubs.
A police source speaking to the Oxford Mail said: “We are checking travel records and mobile‑phone data, but we are also relying heavily on the public’s eyes and ears.”
How have the family reacted?
The teenager’s parents have described the last week as “agonising” and have urged their daughter to get in touch.
As reported by Tom Hughes of BBC Oxford, the girl’s father said in a brief statement: “We are very concerned about her safety and wellbeing; we just want to know she is okay and that she comes home.”
Friends and relatives have taken to social media to share the appeal, posting photos and messages asking for help.
A close family friend, speaking to the Oxford Mail on condition of anonymity, said: “She’s a bright, kind girl who doesn’t usually disappear like this; that’s why everyone is so worried.”
What are police asking the public to do?
Thames Valley Police have urged anyone who may have seen the girl or her friend between 30 January and the present date to contact them immediately.
A force spokesperson told the Oxford Mail: “Even the smallest piece of information could be crucial; if you think you may have seen them, please call us or Crimestoppers.”
The police have also asked drivers, shop workers, hostel staff, and anyone using public transport to check dash‑cam or security‑camera footage in case the pair appear.
Detective Inspector Ellis added: “We are particularly interested in any sightings around bus stops, train stations, and late‑night retail areas.”
Are there any concerns for her safety?
Authorities have not ruled out that the girl may be at risk, given her age and the length of time she has been missing.
A child‑protection officer speaking to BBC Oxford said: “When a young person of this age goes missing, we have to consider that they may be vulnerable to exploitation or harm.”
The National Crime Agency’s Missing Persons Unit has been notified, and specialist officers are assisting with the search. As reported by journalist Laura Turner of the Oxford Mail, the unit has highlighted that “early intervention is key” and encouraged families to report any concerns as soon as possible.
How are local communities responding?
Residents in Banbury and surrounding villages have joined the search, sharing posters and online appeals.
A local community group, Banbury Families Together, told the Oxford Mail: “We are putting up posters in shops and on noticeboards and asking people to keep an eye out when they are out and about.”
Schools across the area have also been briefed to watch for any signs that pupils may have information.
A pastoral‑care lead at the girl’s secondary school said: “We are reminding students that it is okay to speak up if they know something; their information could help bring her home safely.”
What happens next in the investigation?
Police said they would continue to follow all lines of inquiry, including reviewing digital and travel records and speaking to anyone who may have had contact with the girl or her friend.
Detective Inspector Ellis told BBC Oxford: “We are not giving up; we will keep searching until we know what has happened to her.”
The family have vowed to keep the pressure on, while pleading with their daughter to contact them.
As reported by Tom Hughes of BBC Oxford, the girl’s mother said: “We love you and we are so worried; please let us know you are safe.”
