Police are appealing for information following the disappearance of a 19-year-old mother and her newborn son. Emma Bates, who is described as vulnerable, was last seen with her 15-day-old son, Leon, at noon yesterday, near the Metro station in the centre of South Shields, South Tyneside. She is described as white, of slim build, with distinctive bright red hair. She was wearing a black quarter-length jacket with a fur collar, light blue tracksuit pants and a white shirt. Leon was in a blue-and-white checked buggy. Ms Bates is known to frequent South Shields, where she lives, and Middlesbrough.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Tyneside police on 0191-454 7555, extension 65132.

new row: London Mayor Ken Livingstone was embroiled in a fresh row yesterday after he was reported to have said that billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, who are involved in building a key facility for the 2012 Olympics, should "go back to Iran and try their luck with the ayatollahs". The alleged remark came as he prepared to appeal against a four-week suspension from the office of Mayor over comments to a Jewish reporter.

NO UK VISIT: The Vatican has ruled out a visit by Pope Benedict to the UK next year. The Pope has already made many commitments, including some foreign trips next year, said the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

new dino: Scientists in the US have discovered a dinosaur with a neck measuring 7.5 metres - almost half its entire length. The new species of sauropod, called erketu ellisoni, lived more than 100 million years ago.

for sale: A half-smoked cigar discarded by Sir Winston Churchill is to be auctioned. The burnt remains are expected to attract huge interest when they go under the hammer in Liverpool next month.

sleepless nights: Nearly a third of young people have difficulties getting to sleep at night because of worries about their lives, according to an Internet survey for the Samaritans