Police today stepped up their hunt for a missing 14-year-old Shropshire schoolgirl who vanished more than a week ago.

Officers have directly appealed for Sarah Dunn to get in touch with them — saying they are very concerned for her welfare.

Sarah was dropped off to go to school in Bridgnorth on September 28, but has not been seen since.

She never made it to class, but CCTV footage from later that day shows her in Wellington.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell said: “We are making a direct appeal for Sarah to get in touch with us or a friend and let us know she is okay.

“Please ring us at Hereford police station as soon as possible on 0300 333 3000. If you feel Sarah, that you cannot do this, please call the free confidential Missing People helpline on 0808 800 7070 or text 80234.”

He added: “We want to reassure the wider community that we have no reason to believe Sarah has become a victim of crime, however her young age does make her vulnerable.

“Sarah did not have any cash or a mobile phone with her when she went missing so this also raises our concerns for her.

“If anyone knows where Sarah is now or where she has been staying since she went missing last Monday we urge them to contact us as a matter of urgency.”

Sarah, from Leintwardine, is 5ft 2ins tall, slim build, with dyed black, medium-length hair. She was last seen wearing white jeans, a white short-sleeved T-shirt with a thick black and white jacket which had a dice motif on.