POLICE are appealing for help to find a missing girl.
Leanne Bell, 15, from Hawthorn Avenue, Sunderland, left her home address on December 26.
Following inquiries, it is believed that Leanne is in the Leeds area.
Officers have spoken to the teenager by phone, but she has refused to say precisely where she is staying.
Detective Inspector Mark Ord said: "We are appealing for anyone who has seen Leanne to contact us.
"Although she has told us that she is safe and well, we still need to find her and bring her home.”
Leanne is described as being 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with long brown hair with extensions. She was last seen wearing pink jeans, a red jacket and black Ugg-style boots.
Anyone who has seen Leanne is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191.
Anyone ringing from outside the force area should ring 03456-043-043.
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