Frantic search for missing schoolgirl Grace Dewhirst, 12, who vanished in town centre

COPS are desperately searching for a 12-year-old schoolgirl who vanished from a town centre on Friday.

Grace Dewhirst was last seen in the town centre of Bolton, Greater Manchester yesterday.

Bolton Police has now issued an urgent appeal saying it is "becoming increasingly concerned" for Grace's safety.

She was last spotted wearing a black hoody, black jeans and black trainers before she disappeared.

Grace is described as being 5ft 5" with long dark hair.

She is said to have links to both Bolton and nearby Blackburn.

An appeal was shared via the Greater Manchester Police Bolton North Facebook page this afternoon asking for information.

It read: "Bolton police are becoming increasingly concerned for 12 year old missing person, Grace Dewhirst.

"She was last seen in Bolton town centre on Friday 4th January 2019.

"Grace was wearing a black hoody, black jeans and black trainers.

"She is 5ft 5 and has long, dark hair.

"She has links to Bolton and Blackburn.

"Any information or sightings please contact us on 101 or live chat. Log 1699 040119 refers."

Worried people viewing the appeal for information shared it with other local groups online.

It had been shared over 600 times within an hour of its posting.

One user commented: "Hope she is found safely."