TWO teenage girls missing from home since Friday may have gone to a party in Red House, Sunderland, police said last night.

Officers said they were becoming "increasingly concerned" for the girls' welfare.

Lorraine Harland, 16, left her home in Middle Row, Fence Houses, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on Friday morning.

She was heading for Business Management Enterprises, in Frederick Street, Sunderland.

While in Sunderland she met friend Leanne Jane McAllister, 15, of Dovecrest Road, Howdon, Wallsend, Newcastle. The girls had planned to have a meal in Sunderland and phoned their parents to say they would catch the number eight bus home. They have not been heard from since.

Lorraine is 5ft 5in, medium build, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and short light brown hair with blonde highlights. She was wearing a blue denim jacket, navy top and white trainers.

Leanne is 5ft 3in, well built, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and short dark hair which is blonde at the front. She was wearing a navy blue Fred Perry sports top and brown trousers.

Anyone with information should call at their nearest police station or telephone 0191-388 4311.