POLICE are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 15-year-old girl who has been missing for more than six weeks.

Nikki Ross has not been seen since she left her home in Esh Winning on the evening of Tuesday, July 15.

She was reportedly upset about a teenager who died after being badly burned in a skip in Team Valley the day before. She claimed to be a friend of the deceased.

Police believe Nikki is still in the North-East but have no firm clues as to which part of the area she is in, though she is known to frequent the West Denton area of Newcastle.

She is described as "streetwise'' and forms friendships without much difficulty, but because of her age and the length of time she has been gone there is genuine concern for her well being.

Nikki is about 5ft 2in, of average build with shoulder-length dark brown hair, which sometimes has blonde streaks.

She has a pale complexion and when last seen was wearing a light blue denim mini-skirt, a beige top and beige calf-length boots.

Acting Detective Inspector Eric Malkin said: "We are very concerned for Nikki's welfare and if anyone knows where she is we would urge them to contact us straight away.

"Nikki herself should ring her family, social services or the National Missing Persons helpline so at least people know she is fit and well.''

Anyone who knows where Nikki might be is urged to ring Durham City police on 0191-3864222 or the National Missing Persons helpline on 0500 700 700.