POLICE are searching for a missing teenager with a rare illness that makes her face swell up if it is exposed to sunlight.

On Monday, April 4, 16-year-old Imam Dusabimana went missing from her home in Newcastle.

Iman, who always wears a hat, left a note saying she was leaving to be with her mother, who went missing in September last year.

She said they were going to live in Europe, but left no details of where she could be found.

She is described as being 5ft, slim, with very dark brown shoulder-length hair with ginger highlights, usually tied back in a pony tail.

In January last year, Iman entered the UK from Brundi, Africa, with her mother, Shemsa Nduwimana. They initially lived in the Gateshead area.

Last September, Mr Nduwimana went missing from the family home in Gateshead. She has not been seen since and is also listed as missing.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Imam or her mother is asked to call Northumbria Police, on 0191-2146555 ext 62926.