Mother says daughter was taken by her father from Mansbridge home; police launch urgent search.
A desperate search is under way for a missing nine-year-old girl after she was allegedly taken by her father from a house in the Mansbridge area of Southampton yesterday afternoon.
Bella, who is just under 4ft tall and of slim build, has dark ginger hair with a strip of purple at the front and hazel-coloured eyes. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing Stitch pyjamas (shorts and t-shirt) and purple Stitch trainers.
Mother’s appeal
Her mother, Rebecah Hynes, said Bella was taken shortly before 3pm on Sunday after her father, Daniel Burnet, allegedly broke into his mother’s home and chased the child through the property before snatching her.
Ms Hynes said:
“I know she is going to be very scared and on edge as she has not seen her father for some time. Everyone is very worried for Bella’s safety and I will do anything to get her home.”
She explained that she and Bella had previously spent time in a women’s refuge due to incidents involving Burnet, adding to her fears for her daughter’s wellbeing.
Police search
Burnet is believed to be driving a newer-style white Mercedes and may be in the Southampton area, particularly in Townhill, Thornhill, Bitterne, or Botley.
Hampshire Police confirmed they are urgently trying to trace Bella and her father, and have appealed to the public for assistance.
How to help
Anyone who sees Bella or has information about her whereabouts is urged to call 999 immediately, quoting police reference number 44250392834.
Officers have stressed that if members of the public spot Bella and Daniel Burnet, they should not approach them but instead contact police straight away.
