A teenager is being hunted by police after running away from home more than 48 hours ago.

Nineteen-year-old Leanne Hinds, who has learning difficulties, left her home in the West Lane area of Middlesbrough on Wednesday lunchtime following a minor family row.

The youngster, who has a fear of the dark, has now been missing for two nights and despite a major police operation to locate her, no trace has been found - apart from an unconfirmed sighting in Parliament Road.

A Cleveland Police helicopter carried vital searches without success and officers have carried out detailed house to house inquiries in the immediate area of her home and drawn a blank.

Pictures of her have been shown around the streets and CCTV footage checked - all with no result.

Detective Inspector Chris Sadler said: "So far we have found no trace of Leanne and as time goes on I am becoming more and more concerned.

"Although she is 19 she is an easily led, frightened and vulnerable girl.

Her disappearance is completely out of character and as every hour passes my concerns for her welfare grow."

Leanne is described as 6ft tall, of medium build with blue eyes and short copper hair with a distinctive dyed blonde fringe.

She left her home carrying a brown shoulder bag and wearing blue jeans, blue denim shirt, a brown suede jacket with a fur collar and fur trim on the seams and a pink scarf.

She walks with a slight stoop.

"We would urge everybody to check outhouses and yards. We have had a number of unconfirmed sightings and all these are being checked out but so far they have drawn a blank.

"This is a case where all members of the public can be our eyes and ears Have they seen this girl? Have they noticed anyone with her? Has there been activity in an empty property. We need to know and know quickly.

"I do have a message for Leanne and that is simply: 'Your parents are desperately worried and want you to come home. You are not in trouble and have nothing to worry about.'"