Police concern for missing girl

A 14-year-old girl has run away from home and may be with a man she met on the internet, police said today.

Emily Whitmarsh left her home in Poole, Dorset, yesterday afternoon and has not been seen since.

Police have appealed for the schoolgirl to get in touch and stressed she was not in any trouble.

Sergeant Matt Gibbons, of Dorset Police, said: "Emily has never been missing before and this sort of behaviour is entirely out of character.

"I understand that she has told her family that she has been talking to an unknown man over the internet and it's possible that she intends to meet up with him.

"Emily is not in any trouble, but because of her age we are concerned for her welfare and it is essential that we speak with her and check that she is safe and well."

She is white, around five feet six inches tall, of a slim build, with black, straight shoulder-length hair.

Emily was wearing flared light blue jeans - with a large distinctive emblem on the thigh and a pattern on the back - a red check shirt and a black vest top.

She was also wearing a black cotton hip-length Parka-style coat with a ginger coloured fur-lined hood and knee-length baseball style boots.

Sgt Gibbons added: "I would like to hear from anyone who has seen Emily, or had any sort of contact from her, since 1pm yesterday.

"I would also ask Emily to get in touch with her family - we simply want to make sure that you are ok."

Anyone with any information or knowledge as to Emily's whereabouts should call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222.