Fears were mounting yesterday for a 12-year-old girl who vanished as she walked to a friend's home.

Natasha Brown, who is not thought to have run away, was walking to her friend's house on Wednesday morning but never arrived. Police have searched gardens and back alleys around her home in Cowgate, Newcastle.

Detective Inspector Joan Revel, of Newcastle North CID, said: "We are very concerned for Natasha's welfare."