Update: She has been found and returned to her family.
Authorities in Northport, Alabama, are urgently searching for 13-year-old London Melton, who has been reported missing after being last seen on Friday afternoon. Police have classified her as a runaway juvenile, and they are asking the public to assist in locating her as concerns grow for her safety and well-being.
According to the Northport Police Department (NPD), London was last seen around 4 p.m. on Friday, and witnesses have reported that she was seen approaching strangers and asking for rides in the local area. Officers and investigators are now working tirelessly to track her whereabouts, fearing that she may be in danger or at risk of exploitation.
Description of Missing Teen
Police describe London Melton as a Black female, 13 years old, who was last seen wearing gray pants, a white shirt, and black shoes. Her hair was reportedly tied up loosely with a band at the time she disappeared. London is believed to have left on foot, and there have been no confirmed sightings since the initial report of her missing status.
Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and to check any home security cameras, doorbell footage, or surveillance systems that may have captured images of the missing teen in the hours after she vanished. Law enforcement officials have stressed that even a small tip or sighting could play a crucial role in locating London safely.
Community Concern Grows
As the search for London continues into the weekend, concern among community members and local families continues to grow. The Northport community has been sharing her photo and description widely across social media platforms to raise awareness and reach as many people as possible.
Parents and youth advocates are also reminding families to have conversations with their children about safety and the importance of not accepting rides from strangers. The circumstances of London’s disappearance — particularly her asking strangers for a ride — have raised fears that she could have been picked up by someone she didn’t know.
Police Plead for Public Assistance
The Northport Police Department is asking anyone who may have seen London Melton or knows anything about her current location to come forward immediately. You can contact the Northport Police Department at 205-333-3013 with any information, no matter how small it may seem.
Officials say that time is critical in cases involving missing juveniles, especially when there are indications that the child may be vulnerable or in need of protection. Police officers have been canvassing neighborhoods, checking local businesses, and reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of finding leads that could lead them to London.
Ongoing Investigation
At this time, police have not released additional details about what may have led to London’s disappearance or whether she had any previous history of running away. Investigators continue to piece together a timeline of events leading up to her last known sighting.
The Northport Police Department is collaborating with other nearby law enforcement agencies to expand the search area and ensure that all possible leads are pursued. They are also encouraging the public to share information responsibly and avoid spreading unverified rumors that could hinder the investigation.
Call to Action
The case of missing teen London Melton serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a situation can become serious when a young person goes missing. Authorities and family members are holding onto hope that she will be found safe and returned home soon.
If you live in or near Northport, Alabama, please keep an eye out for London Melton. Share her photo, description, and the police contact number — 205-333-3013 — on your social media pages to help increase visibility.
Anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts is urged to contact Northport Police immediately. The public’s cooperation could be the key to bringing 13-year-old London Melton home safely.
