Emily Wicking: police believe missing 14-year-old 'met man online'

The teenager was last seen at her home in Eston, Redcar and Cleveland on Thursday afternoon

Emily Wicking was last seen at 4pm on Thursday afternoon (Cleveland Police)

Police are searching for a missing 14-year-old girl who they believe may have left home with a man she met on the internet.

Emily Wicking from Eston in Redcar and Cleveland was last seen at 4pm on Thursday and police say it is “highly unusual” for her to go missing.

She is described as “slim build, 5ft 8inches tall, with light brown shoulder length hair. She was last seen wearing a grey hoodie, blue jeans, and a body warmer with fur around the hood.”

Cleveland Police has said in a statement that they are “making a direct appeal” to Emily, for her to get in contact with them, family or friends to let them know she is safe.

They have also appealed to hospitality staff at hotels, bars and bed and breakfasts to come forward with information.

A statement on their website said: “Highly-trained officers are working from Cleveland Police Headquarters and are out across Cleveland in a bid to trace Emily.

“Anyone who may have seen Emily is asked to call police on 999.”