A public and heartbreaking appeal for assistance to find Isla Bell, who should be celebrating her 20th birthday, has been issued by her mother Justine.
The then 19-year-old was last seen leaving her home address in Brunswick on 4 October about 6pm.
The last form of communication from Isla was on 6 October and she hasn’t been in touch with family since.
In a press conference on the day of her daughter’s birthday, 22 October, Justine said “my heart just aches”.
“Isla, you’re deeply, widely loved by so many people, and your family and friends are just so distressed, darling,” she said.
“Me and your dad, and your sister, we just can’t wait to hold you, bub. We love you so much. We just want to know you’re safe.”
Isla, who is from the Dandenong Ranges and worked at a Kallista based nursery, has been living with her uncle in Brunswick.
She was suspected to have travelled to the city, with police believing she may now be in either the CBD or the St Kilda area.
Detective acting sergeant Dion Martin said on Tuesday that members of the public have been making reports, either directly to the Fawkner Police Station or via Crime Stoppers.
“We’ve been getting information from the public and there’s been a lot of sightings of Isla that have been reported,” he said.
“We’re concerned, obviously. This is out of character for her and the fact that her phone and bank account hasn’t been used in some time.”
Acting Sgt Martin said at this stage in the investigation, Isla’s disappearance isn’t being treated as suspicious.
“Police are appealing to the public to provide any information they can that can assist us in locating Isla and any sightings to be reported,” he said.
Detectives are currently sifting through CCTV footage where sightings have been reported to ascertain whether or not it is in fact Isla.
In describing Isla, Justine said she is just adored by everyone and reciprocates that to her friends and family.
“My daughter Isla is just a really creative, spirited individual. She has the biggest heart. She’s just so loyal and dedicated to those who love her,” she said.
To celebrate her 20th birthday, Justine said the family had planned a trip to Queensland.
“We were planning for a reef trip for her birthday. She was really excited about that and we were looking forward to spending time together with her and family up north,” Justine said.
In the last conversation Justine had with Isla, she said it was spent “making plans” and there was no concern raised.
“Fears can go everywhere, of course, I’m a mother but I just remain really strong and hopeful in my heart.”
Isla is described as slim build, red hair, pale complexion and with nose, lip and eyebrow piercings.
A dedicated Facebook page Help us find Isla Bell has been established, alongside a My Cause donation page to help fund the search. It has been said that any left over funds will be donated to The Missed Foundation.
If you have any information contact Fawkner Crime Investigation Unit on (03) 9355 6000 or alternatively Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
