There are fears an eight-year-old girl has been abducted after she went missing during a trip to McDonald's.
The girl, named only as Tiolah and from Bedminster in Bristol, is thought to be with family friend and neighbour, Annmarie Lawton, and an unknown man known only as Adam, said Avon and Somerset Police.
The force launched an urgent search and appealed to the public, saying: "While there may be a reasonable explanation police are treating this investigation as an abduction."
Tiolah, also known as Tillie, was last seen on Wednesday at about 3pm when Annmarie, 29, and the man visited her home and took her out, BristolLive reports.
The pair intended to take Tiolah to McDonald's and were expected to return her to her mother within an hour, said police.
However, they didn't return and Tiolah's worried mum reported her missing at about 7pm, about four hours after the family friend and the man left with her, the force added.
DCI Ed Yaxley said: “We have no evidence that Tiolah has come to any harm but she has now been absent from home without her mother’s permission for more than 12 hours.
“Annmarie, if you see this, please contact us straight away. We just want to return Tiolah safely back to her family.”
A police spokesperson said: "Have you seen eight-year-old Tiolah, known as Tillie, from Bedminster?
"The girl is believed to be with a neighbour and family friend, Annmarie Lawton, and an unknown man, pictured today (Wednesday) in East Street, Bedminster.
"Annmarie, 29, visited Tiolah’s home on Wednesday 16 December with a man known only as Adam.
"She and Adam took Tiolah out soon after 3pm to visit McDonald’s in Sheen Road, Bedminster. They were expected to return within an hour.
"They have not brought Tiolah home or returned to Annmarie’s own home since. Tiolah’s mother reported her missing at about 7pm.
"While there may be a reasonable explanation police are treating this investigation as an abduction.
"Tiolah is described as white, with blonde hair. She was wearing black and white polka dot leggings and a black jacket and had a light-coloured rucksack.
"Annmarie is white, with long red hair, about 5ft 6ins tall. She was wearing a black bomber jacket with a fur collar, black leggings and black trainers.
The man is described as in his 20s, about 5ft 6ins tall and stocky with a round face, olive skin and a bald head. He was wearing jeans, a dark grey zip-up hoody and a beanie hat and in the pictures has a light brown padded jacket on.
"Annmarie has links across the greater Bristol area and they may be using public transport."
Police have issued an urgent appeal for information as they try to locate Tiolah.
The missing girl is described as white with blonde hair.
She was wearing black and white polka dot leggings, a black jacket and had a light-coloured rucksack.
Anyone with information about the girl's whereabouts is asked to call 999 immediately, quoting reference 5220282127.
Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and anonymously report information on 0800 555 111.
