Toronto police release new photo in search for missing teen

Toronto police have released an updated photograph and launched a dedicated website as part of the search for a 14 year old girl who has been missing for eight days. Esther was last seen in the area of Bathurst Street and Hotspur Road just after midnight on May 16, and investigators say they are concerned for her safety.

Police reported that Esther has been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. She was previously seen in the Earl Bales Park area on May 15. Last week, the search was upgraded to a Level 1 operation, the highest classification used by Toronto police. Officials have not disclosed what prompted that upgrade, but they noted that out of nearly 3,100 missing person reports filed last year, only five were designated as Level 1 searches.

Esther is described as white, five feet two inches tall, with a medium build and brown hair. She was last seen wearing grey sweatpants and a turquoise sweater, and was not wearing shoes. The updated image released by police was taken on May 15.

Investigators have established a website to collect information related to the case and to share a tip line. The website can be reached at tps.tofindesther. Police are urging anyone with...