THE grandmother of a North Belfast woman who left a family centre in a “distressed state” has made an emotional plea for her to get in touch with the family.
Leontia Teague (20) who went missing two weeks ago today (Thursday), was staying at Thorndale Family Centre on Duncairn Avenue but was last seen visiting her grandmother’s house in Evelyn Gardens at around 4pm on that day.
The former Little Flower Secondary School had been staying at the Salvation Army building in recent months following an incident involving the police.
The facility provides supported housing for a number of homeless families and also young people with additional support needs.
Making the appeal on Wednesday her grandmother Nora said: “Leontia you know today is my birthday so please make this a very special day and come home. We all love you and are thinking of you. Please, please come home. We are very, very worried…night and day. All the sightings give us hope until we find out it isn't her. It's just going on and on.”
Nora went on to say that her granddaughhter’s belongings had been taken out of the centre and were now at home. Leontia’s family, including her two brothers and sister, live in the Cavehill area.
"Leontia we want to know where you are or what has happened. Please, please come home. If you don't want to come home please get in touch with me if you need anything; want to say anything or if anything has gone wrong.”
News before the press conference Leontia’s father Conal Teague said that they were growing increasingly worried because Leontia had not used her bank card since her disappearance and did not have any money going into her account.
Conal said that Leontia had maintained a very strong relationship with her grandparents growing up but had ‘gone into herself’ in recent times and taken a step back from her network of friends.
He also said that he had viewed CCTV footage of recent possible sightings but all had been ruled out.
“If someone has seen her get in contact, Leontia, your granny and granda and your parents are worried sick,” he said.
Leontia is about 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build with long auburn hair. When last seen she was wearing blue jeans with black lace-up shoes and was carrying a handbag.
PSNI chief inspector Bobby Singleton stressed that the girl was not in any kind of trouble with police and asked anyone with information to contact Tennent Street on 101.