Fears growing for missing teenager

Police say they are extremely concerned for the safety of a teenage girl who went missing from Stafford on Wednesday.

Detectives in the town say they are becoming “increasingly anxious” to trace 17-year-old Samantha Stapleton, who was reported missing by social services after failing to return from a weekend away.

Samantha was due to return to an address in Co-operative Street, Stafford, but failed to turn up. It is believed she may be visiting the Wolverhampton or Birmingham areas. Samantha is described as 5ft 5ins tall, of a medium build with hazel-coloured eyes, a pale complexion and dark brown shoulder-length hair. She speaks with a northern accent.

A police spokesman said: “We are appealing to the public for their help in locating Samantha and would also urge her to make contact with the police who are obviously extremely concerned for her safety.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Stafford CID on 01785 234931.

Meanwhile, a mother missing from her home in Cannock since last month is thought to have been spotted in Derbyshire.

Sarah Heys, aged 32, was last seen leaving her home with son Mackenzie Merritt, three, on April 19.

She and her son are now believed to be in the Ripley area.

Officers from Staffordshire Police are urging her to get in touch.