Urgent search for missing girl, 13

Photo / NZ Herald

Police are urgently looking for a 13-year-old girl missing from her home since Saturday.

The girl, Sapphire Hema, was last seen in Papamoa, where she had been dropped off at a friend's house.

She is described as a 155cm-tall (five foot one) Maori girl of slight build, weighing about 52kg.

She has grey eyes, olive skin, with dark brown straight hair. She was last seen wearing a white singlet, black leather jacket and dark blue skinny jeans.

Senior Sergeant Deidre Lack, of Te Puke, said Sapphire could be in Hamilton, but police were keeping an open mind as to her location.

Sapphire has a serious medical condition which requires her to have regular steroid tablets, Ms Lack said.

"If she does not receive this medication soon, she may lapse into a coma."

Sapphire's condition meant that she may appear drunk or disoriented due to her need for medication, Ms Lack said.

"If she is in this state, she needs urgent medication.

"If anyone knows where Sapphire is, or who she may be with, please contact any local police station urgently.

"She needs urgent medical attention and we want to ensure she gets this medical attention and is returned to her family."

- NZHERALD STAFF