A little girl wearing a swimsuit has gone missing from a popular tourist pier sparking a major police search.
Salimatou, nine, was last seen in the area of Bournemouth pier at around 12.30pm today (Saturday August 16).
Police described the girl as having braided hair and was last seen wearing a black and pink floral swimsuit.
Inspector Robin Morgan, of Dorset Police, said: “We are growing concerned for Salimatou’s welfare and are carrying out searches to try and locate her.
“I would urge anyone who has seen Salimatou’s or a child matching the description given, to please get in touch. If you have any current sightings of Salimatou, please call 999 immediately.”
A statement from Dorset Police read: “Officers are appealing for help and information from the public as they search for a missing child in Bournemouth. Salimatou, aged 9, was last seen in the area of Bournemouth pier at around 12.30pm on Saturday 16 August 2025.
“She is described as black with braided hair, and was last seen wearing a black and pink floral swimsuit.”
Anyone with information or knowledge as to Salimatou’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250121793.
Many people have taken to social media to express their concern and spread the message. One person wrote: “I’m praying this little girl is found safe,” and another said: “I do hope she found, safe.”
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