CONCERNS are mounting for a teenage girl who has been missing since Friday.

It was first realised that Cindy Marie Shield, 15, of Elmfield Road, Shildon, County Durham, was missing when she failed to attend school.

Sergeant Steve Moralee, of Newton Aycliffe police, said: "Cindy has been reported missing on numerous occasions recently and it is believed that she is frequenting the Darlington area with older males, who are providing her with shelter.

"Any person who is providing Cindy with shelter should be aware that they may be liable to prosecution under the Child Abduction Act 1984."

Cindy is slim, with hazel eyes and shoulder-length blonde hair.

She was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black trousers and white Nike trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 0845 60 60 365.