Authorities in Cumbria, UK, have launched an urgent appeal to locate a 14-year-old schoolgirl who vanished from the port town of Barrow-in-Furness on Sunday evening. Tahlia Jardine was last seen in the Macadam Street area at around 5:30pm on January 18, 2026, and has not been heard from since. Police officers are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare as more than two days have passed without any confirmed sightings.

Barrow-in-Furness, a historic industrial town on the Furness Peninsula, is known for its shipbuilding heritage and role as a key port on the Irish Sea. With a population of around 57,000, the town is typically quiet, making the sudden disappearance of a local teenager all the more alarming for residents and authorities alike. The community has rallied in response, with social media posts and appeals spreading rapidly as friends, family, and concerned locals share information to aid the search.

Tahlia is described as having blonde hair and was last seen wearing a brown hoodie paired with black trousers (also referred to as black pants in some reports). She stands at an average height for her age and is believed to have connections to nearby areas, including Dalton-in-Furness, a small town just a few miles north of Barrow. Police have emphasized these links, suggesting she may have traveled in that direction or have acquaintances there who could provide clues.

The disappearance has prompted an immediate response from Cumbria Constabulary, who issued a public appeal shortly after Tahlia was reported missing. Officers are actively searching the town and surrounding areas, including parks, coastal paths, and transport hubs. They are reviewing CCTV footage from local businesses and streets in the Macadam Street vicinity to piece together her movements in the hours leading up to her vanishing. Detectives have urged anyone who may have seen Tahlia or has information about her whereabouts to come forward without delay.

In statements released through official channels and social media, police have stressed the urgency of the situation. “We are concerned for the welfare of missing Tahlia who was last seen in the area of Macadam Street, Barrow yesterday (Jan 18) at around 5:30pm,” one appeal read. The force has encouraged members of the public to check gardens, outbuildings, and any secluded spots where she might have sought shelter, as the winter weather in Cumbria can turn harsh quickly.

The case has drawn parallels to other recent missing persons incidents involving teenagers in the UK, where prompt community involvement has sometimes led to swift resolutions. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook groups and local pages, have been flooded with shares of Tahlia’s description and photographs. Residents have posted pleas for information, with some noting rumors of possible sightings that were later unconfirmed. One post highlighted confusion over reports that she had been found, but police have clarified that she remains missing as of January 20, 2026.

Tahlia is a schoolgirl attending a local secondary school in the Barrow area. Friends and classmates have described her as a typical teenager who enjoys spending time with peers and is well-liked in her community. Her family has expressed deep worry, and the emotional toll of the situation is evident in the heartfelt appeals circulating online. While details about her personal life have been kept private to protect her privacy, it is clear that she has strong ties to the Furness region, which may help narrow the search.

Police have not ruled out any possibilities at this stage, including the chance that Tahlia left voluntarily or encountered difficulties while out in the town. Officers are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was in the Macadam Street area on Sunday evening or who may have seen a young girl matching her description walking alone or with others. Transport links, such as buses to Dalton-in-Furness or trains from Barrow station, are also being examined.

The search effort has involved multiple teams, including local officers, search and rescue volunteers, and potentially specialist units if needed. As the hours turn into days, the hope is that increased public awareness will lead to a positive outcome. Authorities have reiterated that even the smallest piece of information could be crucial, and they are ready to act on any leads.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cumbria Police immediately via the non-emergency number 101, quoting the relevant reference, or to call 999 if they believe they have spotted Tahlia in immediate danger. Online reporting forms are also available on the force’s website. In the meantime, the people of Barrow-in-Furness and surrounding communities remain vigilant, united in their efforts to bring Tahlia home safely.

As this developing situation unfolds, the focus remains on finding the young girl and ensuring her well-being. The disappearance serves as a reminder of how quickly everyday routines can change and the importance of community support in times of crisis. Updates from police are expected as the search continues.