POLICE hunting for missing shop worker Jenny Nicholl have searched a flat in her home town for clues.

It is understood that items were taken away from the property in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to be examined by forensic experts.

The development comes three-and-a-half months since 20-year-old Jenny was last seen by her family.

Detectives are hopeful that the search at the weekend could provide information about her whereabouts.

North Yorkshire police would not say if anything of any significance was discovered in the ground-floor flat, which is part of Culloden View, Waterloo, behind the Market Place

An officer was on duty outside the small block of six apartments yesterday.

Neighbours said the flat at the centre of the probe was occupied by a man until about a fortnight ago.

One said: "We don't really know what's going on although there is obviously lots of speculation.

"We've heard the search was in connection with the missing girl, but we don't know for sure."

A police spokesman said: "Police were searching a flat over the weekend as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Jenny Nicholl.

"We were looking for clues or evidence that might help us find her. The flat is not currently occupied."

Miss Nicholl was last seen by her parents, Ann and Brian, on Thursday, June 30.

She was reported missing when she failed to turn up at the Co-op in Richmond - where she worked - the following Monday.