POLICE are checking travellers' camp sites across the region in a search for a missing 15-year-old girl and a gipsy she is thought to have run away with.

Forces across the North of England are visiting caravan sites and talking to travellers to establish the whereabouts of Amy Loveridge and a traveller thought to be using the name Michael O'Driscoll.

Amy was last seen outside her home in Northampton at 12.30pm on Monday.

Police are concerned for her welfare beccause of her age and have circulated her photograph to forces across the UK.

A spokesman for Durham Police said last night: "We are aware of the search and we will do everything we can to help. If we have any information that she was or had been in this area we would obviously pass it on."

Cleveland Police said officers would be carrying out routine checks of sites and liaising with travellers.

Amy is 5ft 10in, stocky, with long, light brown hair, green eyes and a fair complexion. She has pierced ears. When last seen she was wearing a blue hooded top, with a logo, and blue jeans tucked into tan knee-length boots.

Anyone who sees Amy is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 0845-370 0700.