FEARS are growing for a North-East teenager who disappeared more than a week ago.

Michael Simmonds, 16, left the home he shared with his father and brother, in Etal Place, Gosforth, Newcastle, at about 1pm last Tuesday. He has not been seen since.

A police spokesman said: "There was no apparent reason for him to go missing. He has not been missing before."

The youngster did not take any bank cards with him.

Police said he is known to frequent Newcastle city centre, the West End of the city and also the Gold Cup pub, in Westmoreland Road.

He is described as 6ft, of slim build, with short, fair hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. He was last seen wearing a burgundy hooded top and white trainers.

He had silver rings on his fingers and a chunky, silver chain around his neck, plus a silver ring in his left ear.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle North CID on 0191-214 6555, extension 62543.