THE father of the missing 15-year-old girl today made an emotional appeal for her to come home in time for Christmas.

Mark Downs, 35, made a direct appeal to his daughter, Heather, at a press conference held at Dartford Police Station. He said: "We are all missing you. You are not in any trouble. Please come home for Christmas."

Concern has grown for Heather, 15, since she went missing on November 21 from her home in Grovehurst Road, Dartford. She left in a "happy go lucky" mood to buy a school bus pass, but has only been seen when she obtained a lift to Gravesend station from a friend at 9.30pm that day.

Heather, who suffers from learning difficulties, has gone missing before, but has always been found at her "usual haunts" in Gravesend.

Det Insp Andy Short, who is leading the investigation, said Heather had been known to approach male adult strangers. She regularly visits the Gravesend area, where she has friends considerably older than herself, and South East London.

Det Insp Short added: "I appeal for anybody who knows of Heather's whereabouts, or for Heather herself, to contact me." He can be contacted on 01474 331055.