POLICE last night spoke for the first time of their fears that missing teenager Jenny Nicholl may not be found alive.

The officer leading the investigation said last night that detectives had no evidence the 19-year-old had suffered an accident or had come to any harm.

But Detective Inspector Pete Martin said the possibility had to be considered.

He said: "It is our hope that Jenny is safe and well and we will find her, but we have always had to consider the possibility that this may not be the case.

"We are concerned for her, her family is desperately worried about her, and a remarkable number of Richmond residents - young and old - have taken the trouble to wish us well in our effort to resolve this distressing matter."

Miss Nicholl was last seen at her family home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, just over seven weeks ago.

Her white Rover 214i car was found in a pub car park on the edge of the town four days later.

She was reported missing by her parents the same day.

A team of detectives set up to trace the teenager has interviewed a large number of her friends and acquaintances.

Extensive searches of the moors and woodland around Richmond have also taken place.

Police have stressed they will continue looking for the teenager. Yesterday, detectives made a national appeal to pub landlords, walkers and rural communities for information.

Det Insp Martin said landlords were being asked if they have seen the teenager, with her hair usually tied back in a ponytail, sipping her favourite Diesel drink.

Photographs of the teenager are also being circulated to publications and websites read by walkers and campers.

Det Insp Martin said: "Our hope is to find Jenny safe and well somewhere, so it makes sense to extend the search to the kind of places she enjoys visiting.

"Jenny is a sociable person who enjoys pubs. She is a good pool player and a member of a local team.

"She also enjoys camping out, and may have been seen by walkers outside North Yorkshire."

Miss Nicholl was spotted camping on Downholme Moor, between Hudswell and Downholme, near Richmond, with two friends only days before she disappeared.

Three weeks ago, a man was found hiding in a makeshift den near to where yesterday's search took place.

It is understood the man is linked to the investigation, although police are refusing to release further details.

Miss Nicholl is 5ft 6in, slim with green eyes, fresh complexion and fair, shoulder-length hair. When last seen by her parents, she was carrying a dark grey rucksack with black straps.

Police have urged anyone who has seen the teenager, or knows where she is, to call (01423) 539334.