Police: Gladstone girl Leah Cooper, 15, reported missing from Gladstone, last seen in New Auckland on Thursday July 7

A teenage girl has been reported missing from the Gladstone area, with police now calling for public assistance to locate the 15-year-old or provide useful information. Here’s what we know.

A Gladstone teenager has been reported missing, with her last known whereabouts placing her near the city’s airport on Thursday afternoon.

Leah Cooper, 15 , who only recently moved to the region, was last seen about 4.15pm Thursday walking outbound on the Dawson Highway near the Gladstone Airport.

Police say she was wearing a red and black checked jacket, shorts, white trainers and is carrying a dusty pink Nike backpack.

She is described as Pacific Islander, about 170cm tall, proportionate build with dark brown hair and has a distinctive traditional Maori tattoo of a stingray on her right calf.

Leah Cooper has a distinctive tattoo on her calf. Picture: Supplied

Leah’s mother, Corrie Cooper, spoke to The Observer on Friday morning and said while she was very concerned about the wellbeing of her daughter she was overwhelmed with the amazing outpouring of love and support from the community.

The family moved to Gladstone from New Zealand about a fortnight ago.

Her family is concerned for her wellbeing as she does not know the area and does not know many people.

Ms Cooper said Leah had a distinctive tribal tattoo on her leg which police have also released a picture of to help identify the missing teen.

“She is proud of her heritage and of her tattoo, it is a traditional ta moko symbolising protection,” Ms Cooper said.

“She’s a friendly, smiling, typical fun loving teenage girl.”

Police hold concerns for Leah’s welfare due to her age and the disappearance being out of character.

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact police.

Leah Cooper was last seen wearing a black and red jacket. Picture: Supplied