By Oliver Farrimond
POLICE are hunting for a 14-year-old girl in West Lothian who has been missing since Boxing Day.
Joanne Shepherd was last seen at her home in Dedridge at lunchtime on December 26th.
Lothian and Borders Police say that she failed to return home that night, and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
A police spokesman said: “Joanne is known to frequent the Almondvale and MacArthur Glen shopping outlets in Livingston along with her friends, whom we are in the process of speaking to.
“There is the possibility she is staying with friends whose parents think she has been given permission to stay with them during the school holidays.
“We are therefore requesting parents to speak to their children about Joanne, in particular those who attend James Young High School where Joanne is in her second year.
“We also concerned about the freezing weather conditions.
“If she is staying elsewhere, she might only have temporary shelter, and therefore anyone who has seen Joanne since Boxing Day should contact the police immediately.”
Joanne is described as being 5ft 5ins tall, with shoulder length dark hair and a slim build.
She is also wearing a “Bench” top, with a dark grey coat and grey knee-length wellington boots with a multi-coloured zig-zag pattern.
Anyone with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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