Police appeal to find missing 13-year-old girl last seen in Sittingbourne

The Search Operation

Under UK policing practice, a person under 18 reported missing is treated as a vulnerable missing child case, triggering specific safeguarding considerations and risk assessments. The decision to issue a public appeal indicates the case meets a threshold where community assistance is considered appropriate by investigating officers.

Police forces use social media appeals to locate missing persons, particularly children, because early public engagement can improve chances of locating them safely. Missing person reports are subject to an initial risk assessment based on age, vulnerability, circumstances of disappearance and any known risks.

Local Police Response

Sittingbourne falls within the borough of Swale, Kent, for which Kent Police holds primary policing responsibility. Local officers will typically lead the search with support from force-wide resources where needed.

The UK Missing Persons Unit reports that children account for the majority of missing person reports in the UK, with annual figures consistently showing children making up a higher proportion of missing incidents than adults. Police in England and Wales record hundreds of thousands of missing person incidents annually, with a significant proportion involving repeat episodes among children and young people.

Ongoing Investigation

In the UK, police powers and duties in missing person cases arise from general policing responsibilities to protect life and property, common law powers, and safeguarding duties under child protection legislation including the Children Act 1989.

Formal media and public appeals in missing children cases are typically updated or cancelled once the child is found. As of the time of the police appeal, no update has been referenced, meaning the case should be treated as ongoing unless independently confirmed closed by Kent Police.

Local safeguarding partners in Kent, such as schools, social care and health services, may be engaged behind the scenes in accordance with Kent and Medway child safeguarding procedures in missing child incidents, although specific details are not disclosed in active cases.

Community Involvement

The appeal demonstrates the role of Kent communities in supporting missing children investigations. Residents are encouraged to remain alert for the child’s description as provided in the full police appeal, check personal CCTV and doorbell cameras, and report possible sightings to Kent Police via official channels.

Officers may conduct increased patrols, house-to-house enquiries, and CCTV reviews in the Homewood Avenue area and surrounding neighbourhoods as part of the search operation.

Key Information

• Lily Blakeman, 13, was last seen at around 8am on Thursday 28 May 2026 in Homewood Avenue, Sittingbourne
• Kent Police have issued a public appeal asking for community assistance in locating the missing teenager
• The case is being treated as a vulnerable missing child investigation with appropriate safeguarding measures in place

Information for Residents

Residents in Sittingbourne and the wider Swale area who were in or around Homewood Avenue at roughly 8am on 28 May 2026 are urged to contact Kent Police if they have any information or footage that could assist the investigation. Local households should check any CCTV, doorbell cameras, or dashcam footage from that time period and location. Anyone who believes they may have seen Lily or has information about her whereabouts should contact Kent Police immediately through official channels rather than approaching her directly.