POLICE say they are worried for a "vulnerable teenager" who went missing from her Blandford home early yesterday morning.

Shannon Smith, 19, is believed to have left home between around 3am and 6.30am on Friday.

She is described as white, five feet six inches tall, of slim build and with fair hair. She may have been wearing a purple fleece, brown coat with a fur hood and black trousers and carrying a multi-coloured bag.

Chief Inspector Andy Edwards, of Dorset Police, said: “We are concerned for Shannon’s welfare as she is a vulnerable teenager.

“From our enquiries we believe she may have attempted to travel by train to London with the intention of travelling on to the Grimsby area. Shannon did not take her mobile phone with her.

“I am appealing to anyone with knowledge of Shannon’s whereabouts, or who sees a teenager matching the description given, to please contact us.

“I would also make a direct plea to Shannon if you see this appeal to please make contact with us or your family as we all want to make sure you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Shannon's whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 20:72.