A missing 14-year-old boy could be hundreds of miles from home.

Damian Howes was last seen at around 7pm on August 4 in Wigan town centre.

With links to Croydon, Carlisle, Westcliffe-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford, police are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

PC Paddy Stewart, of Skelmersdale Police, said: “We are extremely worried about Damian and need to find him to make sure he is safe and well.

"If you have seen him, or know where he may be, we would ask that you contact us as soon as possible. Similarly, we would urge Damian himself, if he sees this appeal, to get in touch to let us know where he is.”

He is described as white, around 5ft 2ins tall, of thin build, with short, blond hair. He was last seen wearing a grey North Face hoodie and grey North Face tracksuit bottoms with grey and white Nike trainers. He also speaks with a London accent.

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log number 1409 of August 4th.

Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.