A specialist team of divers searched a pond in Billingham this morning, as police continue to look for a missing teenager. 

 Police are again in the Billingham area today (Thursday, March 7) as they carry out further searches for missing 18-year-old Lewis Penfold-Roche.

Officers from Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit are joining Cleveland Police to carry out additional searches in the area of Charlton’s Pond.

The Northern Echo:

Lewis was last seen around 6pm on Sunday, January 28, on Station Road in Billingham, heading towards Central Avenue.

Specialist search teams have already carried out searches of the area, including railway lines and embankments.

Extensive enquiries with Lewis’ family and friends have been carried out and officers have scoured hours of CCTV footage.  

The Northern Echo:

Extensive enquiries with Lewis’ family and friends have been carried out and officers have scoured hours of CCTV footage.  

Last week, neighbourhood officers delivered hundreds of leaflets to homes in the area near to where Lewis was last seen; asking residents to check their sheds and outhouses for any signs of disturbance or anyone living there. 

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Chris Pringle, said: “Further searches are being carried out today as we continue our efforts to try to locate Lewis, more than a month since he went missing.

The Northern Echo:

“We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information regarding Lewis’ whereabouts, or anyone who may have seen him, to come forward and speak to police.

“We also again urge Lewis, if he is reading this, to let us know that he is safe and to reiterate that he won’t be in any trouble. There are lots of people who are very concerned for him and just want to know that he’s safe and well.”

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Lewis is described as having a London accent, 6ft tall, mousey brown hair which is short on the sides and longer on the top. He was last seen wearing a dark red coat, green/silver backpack with the word “Hype” written on it, black jogging bottoms, a black skeleton jumper and dark grey Adidas trainers. He may now have changed his clothing.

The Northern Echo:

A spokesperson from Cleveland Police said: "Anyone who may have seen Lewis, or anyone who knows his whereabouts, is asked to contact Cleveland Police as a matter of urgency on 101. 

"Please contact police directly in the first instance rather than report sightings on social media so officers can respond immediately. Please quote reference number 017293."