The emaciated woman, known only as Mirrella, was last seen in public in 1998 when she was 15
A 42-year-old woman was found in a horrifying state, “days away from death”, after allegedly being imprisoned in her room for 27 years by her own parents.
The skeletal figure of the woman, known only as Mirrella, was last seen in public back in 1998 when she was just 15, in the city of Świętochłowice in southern Poland. The local community was led to believe that the teenager had mysteriously vanished – but nearly three decades later, she was discovered, having never visited a dentist or a hairdresser in all those years.
The shocking discovery was made in July when police were summoned to an apartment block following reports of a disturbance by neighbours. Deputy Inspector Anna Hryniak told Polish newspaper Fakt that the 82 year old landlady denied any altercation taking place.
When the police spoke to Mirrella, she assured them there was no problem – but they immediately called for medical assistance upon noticing her injuries. The local community has now rallied around the woman, launching a fundraiser to aid her recovery.
One local said 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”, reports the Mirror.
“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. Her hair and teeth are in critical condition, even threatening her health, so visits to a private clinic are now necessary.”
Prosecutor Agnieszka Kwatera confirmed an investigation has been launched.
