🚨 Urgent Appeal: Missing Teen Sophia Lyons, 13, in Wollongong

Wollongong police are seeking urgent public assistance to locate a teenage girl, Sophia Lyons, who has gone missing from the local area. The 13-year-old was last seen on Gipps Street, Wollongong, around 7:30 PM yesterday, Wednesday, 14 January 2026.

Officers from Wollongong Police District were notified of her disappearance and have since commenced extensive inquiries into her whereabouts. Given Sophia's age, both her family and police hold significant concerns for her welfare. It is important to note that the NSW Police Force stresses there is no 24-hour waiting period to report a missing person, and urges immediate action when concerns for safety arise.

Sophia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 165cm tall, weighing around 55kg, with distinctive long red hair and brown eyes. When she was last seen, she was wearing a grey jumper, black tracksuit pants, and white/blue Nike TNs shoes.

Investigations suggest Sophia may frequent areas within Wollongong, as well as the broader Sydney and Central Coast regions.

According to national statistics, young people aged 13 to 17 constitute the largest demographic in Australia for missing person reports, making up about 50% of the approximately 38,000 reports annually. While the majority are located within 48 hours and return home unharmed, the vulnerability of young people means every report is taken seriously. The Wollongong Police District, in collaboration with the Wollongong City Council's Community Safety Plan, consistently works to enhance safety for all residents, including vulnerable youth.

Anyone with information that could assist in locating Sophia Lyons is urged to contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000 or via their website at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided confidentially, and the public is reminded not to report information through NSW Police social media channels.