POLICE are growing increasingly concerned for the safety of two runaway teenagers, thought to be on the streets of County Durham.

In two separate incidents, a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy have disappeared from their homes and are being sought by police.

In the first incident, Gail Pooley, 14, from Gateshead, went missing after being dropped off at Lord Lawson School in Birtley, near Gateshead, by her foster parents last Thursday.

She was seen in the Stanley area that same afternoon, but has not been sighted since.

A police spokesman said: "Gail, who also uses the name Abigail, or Abby, is known to frequent Eldon Square, in Newcastle, and the Stanley area, where she has relatives."

She has been described as 5ft 8in, of proportionate build, with a fair complexion and blue eyes. She has mousy blonde collar length straight hair. When last seen, she was wearing a white shirt, black trousers, black shoes and a white Adidas sweatshirt top with blue trims. She was carrying a black Umbro shoulder bag.

Meanwhile, Kristopher Iain Aspinall, of Coquet, Rickleton, Washington, went missing on Tuesday.

It is possible he is sleeping rough in the Chester-le-Street area, officers said last night.

A police spokesman said: "He was last seen by his parents when he left for school.

"He was caught smoking and it is believed he went home in the afternoon and collected clothing before going missing."

He has been described as 5ft 9in, short fair hair and of medium build. He was last seen wearing a fleece, black jeans, a Sunderland football woolly hat and was carrying a green back pack and red sleeping bag.

Anyone with information on either runaway is asked to ring 0191-454 7555