Toronto police are actively searching for a teenage girl who has been missing since late last week, as her parents issue a plea to the public for help.
Investigators say 14-year-old Esther was last seen around 11:15 p.m. on Friday, May 15, in the Earl Bales Park area in North York and hasn’t been heard from or seen since. It’s unclear what she was doing at the park.
“Esti, my love, if you’re watching this, please come home. We love you so very much, and we miss you terribly. Your family here, across the country and around the world is searching and praying for you every minute. Your friends, classmates, neighbours and community are all worried about you and hoping to see you safe,” Esther’s mother said on Tuesday.
“Please know this clearly, you are not in trouble, nobody is angry with you, no matter what has happened. All we care about is knowing you are OK.”
Earlier in the day, Toronto police Duty Insp. Scott Bradbury said the police service had been scouring the area for over 48 hours using a variety of methods, including mounted officers, drones and marine units. Neighbours have also stepped up to help search for the missing girl.
Earl Bales Park is a heavily wooded area spanning 127 acres. It has multiple walking trails, and the West Don River runs through it.
‘Please review video cameras’
On Tuesday, authorities said recent information suggests that Esther was last seen wearing a green shirt and grey pants. She is described as being five-foot-two with a medium build and brown hair.
“We’re imploring the community and neighbours outside Earl Bales Park to please review video cameras. To look in the coffee shops, to watch for somebody–a young person – who may be asking for food, money, help or directions,” Bradbury told reporters during a press conference on Sunday.
He said police are concerned for the girl’s safety.
“I’m asking for the public to help us put eyes on her so we can make sure she’s safe and reunite her with her family,” he added.