Missing Irish girl's family pleads for assistance

PETALING JAYA: The family of Nora Quoirin is pleading for assistance from all parties in the search for the missing Irish schoolgirl.

The 15-year-old girl, who has special needs, has been missing since Sunday (Aug 4).

The girl's aunt, Aisling Agnew, said Nora’s parents and relatives in Ireland and France were distraught at her disappearance.

"Nora is a child with special needs and has learning and developmental disabilities, which make her especially vulnerable, and we fear for her safety.

“She would not know how to get help and would never leave her family voluntarily.

"We now consider this a criminal matter. We are appealing to everyone to assist the local police in any way they can and to pass on any information that would help locate our beloved Nora without delay, " she said in a statement posted on British charity group The Lucie Blackman Trust's Facebook page.

The group's chief executive, Matthew Searle, said the victim had gone missing for over 24 hours now, and it was imperative that every resource available is deployed to search for her.

"It is possible she has been seen or taken in by somebody and is unable to communicate, so we urge everyone who can to share our appeal poster and social media appeals.

"Sadly, it is also possible that Nora has been the victim of serious crime – we urge anyone with any information to come forward, " he said.

The family has set up an email address for information leading to her safe return: [e-mail].

The Lucie Blackman Trust is supporting the family and providing a hotline and email address for information. People can remain anonymous and can call 448000988485 or email [e-mail]