The seaside town of Paignton, nestled along the picturesque English Riviera in Torbay, Devon, is usually a place of calm waves, colorful beach huts, and families enjoying fish and chips under the sun. But on February 4, 2026, this idyllic coastal community was thrust into anxiety and urgency when 17-year-old Alisha Moorey vanished without explanation. Police described her striking purple shoulder-length hair—possibly curled—as a key identifying feature, urging the public to call 999 immediately if sighted. What began as a routine missing person report has escalated into a full-scale, high-priority search, with Devon and Cornwall Police expressing growing concern for her welfare as hours stretch into days.
Alisha, a white female teenager from the Paignton area, was last seen at approximately 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4. The exact circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain shrouded in mystery—no dramatic abduction scene, no farewell note, no known argument or distress signal. She simply stepped out of sight in a town where locals know one another by face, if not by name, and hasn’t been seen since. In a statement released swiftly by Devon and Cornwall Police, a force spokesperson said: “Alisha was last seen at approximately 10.40am today, Wednesday 4 February. She is described as a white female, 17 years old, purple shoulder length hair possibly curled.”
The description doesn’t stop at her vivid hair color, which police emphasize as a “strong and distinctive” marker likely to stand out in crowds or on CCTV. Alisha may have been wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a black top, and other casual attire typical of a teenager heading out for the day—perhaps to meet friends, run errands, or simply clear her head along the promenade. Yet as the afternoon wore on and evening fell without contact, alarm bells rang louder. By late Wednesday, officers escalated their language: they are “growing increasingly concerned” for her welfare. The plea shifted from routine appeals to an urgent directive: “Call 999 immediately if you see her.”
Paignton, part of the larger Torbay conurbation, offers a mix of Victorian charm and modern seaside life. Its long sandy beach, pier, and bustling harbor draw visitors year-round, but locals know the quieter spots—the backstreets lined with guest houses, the wooded walks toward nearby Brixham, the train station that connects to Exeter and beyond. Authorities have not specified where exactly Alisha was last seen, but speculation swirls around common teenage haunts: the seafront arcades, the bus stops near the town center, or perhaps the railway station, a gateway for those seeking escape or adventure. In similar recent cases across Devon, missing youths have sometimes been traced to transport hubs, raising questions about whether Alisha boarded a train or bus in the moments after 10:40 a.m.
The timing is particularly worrisome. February in Devon brings short days and chilly winds off the English Channel, with temperatures dipping toward freezing at night. A 17-year-old out alone without proper layers or means of communication faces real risks—hypothermia, vulnerability to exploitation, or simply getting lost in the rural lanes that fan out from the coast. Police have mobilized resources accordingly: patrols combing the beach and promenade, checks on CCTV from shops, pubs, and the train station, and outreach to friends, family, and known associates. Social media appeals, amplified by The Sun and local outlets like Devon Live, have spread her image far beyond Torbay, with shares urging: “Have you seen her?”
Alisha’s purple hair is more than a fashion statement; it’s a beacon in the search. Dyed vibrant shades like violet or lavender have become a signature look among Gen Z, symbolizing individuality and rebellion, but in this context, it transforms her into one of the most recognizable missing persons in recent UK memory. Photos circulated by police and media show a young woman with bright, eye-catching locks framing her face—hair that could catch the light from a streetlamp or stand out in a grainy security feed. Officers stress that even if she’s changed outfits or tied it back, the color remains a giveaway. “Purple hair is a strong and distinctive feature,” one appeal noted, echoing the force’s determination to turn that uniqueness into an advantage.
As concern mounts, the case highlights broader issues facing teenagers in coastal towns. Devon and Cornwall have seen a string of missing person alerts in recent years—some resolved quickly, others dragging on with heartbreaking outcomes. Just weeks earlier, similar appeals circulated for other youths in the region, often involving vulnerable teens facing mental health struggles, family tensions, or the pull of independence. While no specific vulnerabilities have been disclosed in Alisha’s case, the rapid escalation to “increasing concern” suggests officers fear she may be at risk—whether from exposure, misadventure, or foul play.
Community response has been swift and heartfelt. On Facebook groups dedicated to Paignton and Torbay locals, posts flood in with offers to check gardens, outbuildings, or favorite hangouts. “She’s one of ours—let’s bring her home,” reads one viral message. Neighbors who might never have spoken now coordinate searches along the coastal path toward Goodrington Sands or up into the hills toward Marldon. Volunteers distribute flyers featuring Alisha’s photo, her purple hair leaping off the page, while shops display them in windows alongside ice cream signs and postcard racks.
Devon and Cornwall Police continue to coordinate the effort, with specialist teams on standby if needed—search dogs, drones for aerial sweeps over parks and beaches, marine units scanning the shoreline in case she wandered too close to the water. The force’s public messaging remains direct: do not approach if seen, but call 999 right away and provide exact location and description. “Time is critical,” implied in their tone, as every passing hour deepens worry.
For Alisha’s family and friends, the wait is agony. Though few details have emerged publicly about her personal life—perhaps to protect privacy amid the spotlight—the silence speaks volumes. A teenager doesn’t vanish mid-morning without ripples: missed texts, unanswered calls, an empty bedroom or school absence if she attends college locally. The purple hair, once a point of pride or playful rebellion, now symbolizes absence—a vibrant marker turned poignant reminder of someone loved and missing.
This case resonates beyond Devon. In an era of constant connectivity, the idea of someone simply disappearing feels almost anachronistic, yet it happens too often. High-profile missing persons stories—from Madeleine McCann decades ago to more recent UK teen vanishings—remind us how quickly normalcy can fracture. Alisha’s story, still in its early hours as of February 6, 2026, carries that same unsettling power: a young life interrupted, a community on edge, authorities racing against time.
What happened after 10:40 a.m. on February 4? Did she meet someone unexpectedly? Decide to hitch a ride or hop a train? Or is she simply lost, perhaps sheltering somewhere quiet, unaware of the growing alarm? The answers remain elusive, but the search intensifies with each update. Police urge anyone with even the smallest detail— a sighting on a bus, a glimpse near the pier, a social media post—to come forward without hesitation.
Paignton’s waves continue to roll in, indifferent to the drama unfolding on shore. But for those who know Alisha, every crash sounds like a plea. Bring her home. The purple-haired girl who vanished from a seaside town must be found—before the concern turns to tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches, hoping for the best possible outcome: Alisha safe, reunited, her story one of relief rather than sorrow. Until then, the calls persist—check your gardens, your streets, your memories. And if you see purple hair catching the winter light, dial 999.
