Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a 14-year-old boy who has gone missing from home in Appley Bridge, but may have travelled elsewhere in the UK.

Damian Howes was last seen at around 7pm on August 4th in Wigan town centre.

He has links to Croydon, Carlisle, Westcliffe-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford, and may well have travelled to one of these areas.

PC Paddy Stewart, of Skelmersdale Police, said: "We are extremely worried about Damian and need to find him to make sure he is safe and well. If you have seen him, or know where he may be, we would ask that you contact us as soon as possible. Similarly, we would urge Damian himself, if he sees this appeal, to get in touch to let us know where he is."

He is described as white, around 5ft 2ins tall, of thin build, with short, blond hair. He was last seen wearing a grey North Face hoodie and grey North Face tracksuit bottoms with grey and white Nike trainers. He also speaks with a London accent.

Anybody with information is asked to contact us as soon as possible on 101, quoting log number 1409 of August 4th.