A Polish woman believed to have been missing for nearly 30 years has been found – in her own bedroom.
The woman, named only as Mirella, is said to have been locked inside by her parents 27 years ago.
She was last seen in public in the southern city of Świętochłowice in 1998 when she was 15.
Police reporting to reports of a disturbance at her family home in July this year discovered Mirella, who was said to be so emaciated that she appeared to be only ‘days away from death’.
Horrified neighbours have since started a fundraiser to try and support her recovery.
One of the organisers wrote on social media: ‘Doctors determined that she was only days away from death due to infection.
‘She has been in hospital for two months now due to her critical condition.
‘People who knew Mirella thought she left her “family” home almost 30 years ago.
‘Unfortunately, the truth turned out to be different.
‘Much remains unknown, and several facts cannot be revealed at this stage. One thing is certain: the truth must come to light as to why this young, healthy 15-year-old stopped leaving her home and disappeared without a trace.
‘It is unimaginable to spend so much time in one room.
‘She herself says that she has never even seen her city develop, that it is behind in everything, that she has missed out on so many things, she has never been to a doctor, never obtained an ID card, never gone for a simple walk or even to the balcony…
‘She’s never been to a dentist or a hairdresser.
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‘Her hair and teeth are in critical condition, even threatening her health, so visits to a private clinic are now necessary.’
Prosecutors confirmed an investigation is underway, the Mail reports.
A six-year-old girl was removed from her parents’ care in Brazil last week in what appears to be a similar case.
The youngster is believed to have spent her life locked in her room in the city of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, according to local news outlet Universo Online.
She has never been to school and had no idea how to speak, reports said.
A similar case in Spain earlier this year saw two young children rescued from a ‘House of Horrors’ in Oviedo.
The pair, aged eight and 10, were still in nappies when police found them.
Their parents were arrested on kidnapping charges.
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