Police have launched an urgent appeal to find a 15-year-old missing schoolgirl last seen in Southport on Friday evening. 

Katie-Lou Berry – who has links to Bolton, Liverpool and Bootle – was last spotted at around 6:10pm on May 8 close to the Botanic Gardens in the town. 

Police said the teenager often visits Southport, Bootle, Liverpool and the Farnworth area of Bolton. 

Katie-Lou was last seen wearing a pink vest top, black leggings, a black fur jacket and white Nike Air Max trainers. 

She is described by police as being of slim build, 5ft6in tall and with very long brown hair. 

She also has a nose piercing and speaks with a Bolton accent. 

Merseyside Police have asked anyone with immediate sightings of Katie-Lou to call 999, and pictures have been shared to social media as part of their efforts to locate her. 

In a statement issued on May 9, a force spokesperson said: ‘Please share and help us find a missing 15-year-old girl last seen in Southport. 

15-year-old Katie-Lou Berry (pictured) was last spotted at around 6:10pm on May 8 close to the Botanic Gardens in the town

‘Katie-Lou Berry was last seen yesterday evening (Friday 8 May) at around 6.10pm close to the Botanic Gardens and enquiries are ongoing to find her.

‘Katie-Lou is white, 5ft 6in tall, has very long brown hair and is of slim build. She has a nose piercing and speaks with a Bolton accent.

‘When last seen, she was wearing a pink vest top, black leggings, black fur jacket, and white Nike Air Max trainers. Katie-Lou often visits Southport, Bootle, Liverpool and the Farnworth area of Bolton.

‘If you see Katie-Lou please call 999 immediately so we can make sure she is safe.’

Merseyside Police said the public can also pass on any sightings of Katie-Lou using their form found here, or pass on any other information to @MerPolCC or 101.