😢 Urgent Appeal: Missing 12-Year-Old Sophie Lyons in Wollongong

Wollongong Police are appealing for urgent public assistance to locate 12-year-old Sophie Lyons, who has been reported missing from the local area. Sophie was last sighted on Crown Street, Wollongong, around 6:15 PM yesterday, Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Officers from Wollongong Police District were immediately notified and have commenced inquiries into her whereabouts. Both police and Sophie's family hold significant concerns for her welfare, particularly given her young age.

Sophie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 150cm to 155cm tall, with a large build, long brown/red hair, and brown eyes. At the time she was last seen, she was wearing a black t-shirt, grey pants, and blue joggers. Investigators believe Sophie may frequent areas within Wollongong as well as Sydney's CBD.

It's important to note that children under the age of 12 are considered particularly vulnerable in missing person cases, despite making up a smaller percentage of overall reports in Australia. NSW Police guidelines emphasise that there is no mandatory 24-hour waiting period to report a missing person if there are genuine concerns for their safety and welfare; reporting as soon as possible is crucial for effective investigation.

The community's help is vital in these situations. Crime Stoppers, which operates in NSW as part of a global network, provides a secure and anonymous way for the public to share information with police, playing a key role in solving crimes and locating missing persons.

Anyone with information regarding Sophie Lyons' whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000 or via their website at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. All information is treated in strict confidence, and the public is reminded not to report details via NSW Police Force social media pages.