Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Cessnock area.
Sophia Payne, aged 12, was last seen on Old Maitland Road, Sawyers Gully, about 9pm on Monday 23 February 2026.
When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.
Sophia is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of slim build, with long brown hair, brown eyes and a nose ring.
She is known to use public transport and frequents the Sawyers Gully area.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
