Nida Ul-Naseer missing: Concerns grow for 18-year-old girl who vanished after taking bins out at her Newport home

A major police search is now underway in south Wales

Photo issued by Gwent Police of Nida Ul-Naseer, 18, of Newport, south Wales, who has not been seen since she was reported missing from her home in Linton Street at 8pm on Saturday (PA)

South Wales police say they are increasingly concerned for the welfare of an 18-year-old girl who vanished on Saturday after taking the bins out at her Newport home.

Nida Ul-Naseer’s family said it was not in their daughter’s character to go missing, and that she disappeared without medication she needs to stop becoming anaemic.

Extra police officers were drafted in to join the growing search operation today, with sniffer dog teams and some on horseback scouring open areas around the girl’s home.

“She has gone missing from her home address, that is particularly the reason for the concern,” said Chief Inspector Daniel Taylor, who is leading the Gwent Police operation.

“There is no motive for it,” he said. “As far as we understand it she went out to the bins at the premises. That was the last time she was seen.”

He said that forensic teams had examined the area and extensive searches have been carried out in the neighbourhood.

He added: “There is no forensic evidence that she has been taken.”

He also appealed to anyone who may know Nida to come forward with any information they may have about her social circle.

“There must be other people out there who know Nida who are not necessarily known to the family,” Chief Inspector Taylor said.

Nida was last seen as she stepped outside her home in Linton Street at 8pm on Saturday 28 December.

A police spokesman said: “Nida is of Asian-Pakistani appearance and has long dark hair, is slim and is five feet three inches tall. She was last known to be wearing blue jeans and a black top.

“To go missing is particularly out of character for Nida, and officers and her family are increasingly concerned for her welfare due to that fact that she hasn't been in contact, especially over the New Year period.

“We are also concerned for Nida because she hasn't taken her medication with her and is likely to become anaemic without it.”

He added: “Specially trained search officers with the assistance of dogs and horses are undertaking enquiries in numerous areas of Newport today.

“Local officers will be in the area distributing leaflets and conducting further house to house enquiries.

“If anyone can assist us with our enquiries to locate Nida, they are asked to call 101 and quote log number 448 28/12/13.”

Additional reporting by the Press Association