POLICE are appealing for the public's help to find a missing 15-year-old girl, Billie-Jo Gunn, from Grays.

A statement from Essex Police says: "Billie has not been seen since 9 August and we need the public's help to find her.

"Billie is described as a white girl, around 5ft 2" with blonde, straight hair. We believe that she was last seen wearing a cream, knitted two piece with sliders and a cream handbag. She has a tattoo of three butterflies on her ankle.

"There is a possibility she has recently travelled to South Ockendon.

"If you have seen Billie, or know where she is, please contact us on 999 as a matter of urgency quoting reference 1335 of 9 August."