The mother of an 18-year-old who did not come home following a night out said she is going out of her mind with worry.

Ben Savage went to the Tap N Tin in Railway Street, Chatham, on Monday, but has not been seen since.

He was last seen in the early hours of Tuesday morning and his family say Ben's disappearance is "out of character".

It was initially thought Ben was seen walking towards Gillingham after leaving the pub, but after his family looked at CCTV, it was confirmed this person was not him.

The Medway Coastguard team, along with the Sheerness Inshore Lifeboat crew and about 40 Kent Search and Rescue volunteers were assisting police with the search overnight.

The coastguard team has been back out on the river searching again this afternoon.

The police helicopter has been searching the area and officers are reviewing CCTV footage to try to establish where Ben went after leaving the Tap N Tin.

His family and friends have been searching the streets, parks and playing fields.

His mum Tara Savage, from Strood, told KentOnline: "It is just so out of character for him, it's not like him not to come home.

"He knows I would be worried. He would always text me if he was stopping at a friend's. This is what is so worrying, I've been going out of my mind."

Ben, who turned 18 last month, had been on a night out with a friend from work.

Following his disappearance, his mum posted a plea for information on the Tap N Tin's Facebook page.

She said: "My son Ben was at Tap N Tin last night, he has not come home and his phone is off.

"We have contacted the police. If anyone has any information and if you see him please message me."

A friend added: "He was pretty drunk last night, I'm really hoping he's alright, fingers crossed nothing bad has happened! Best of luck."

Another friend, Keely-Ann McFarlane, posted the last SnapChat message Ben is known to have sent.

Ben was a pupil at The Holmesdale School in Malling Road, Snodland, before going to MidKent College.

Police have confirmed they are looking for Ben. A spokesman said: "Officers are concerned for the welfare of Ben Savage, 18, after he disappeared following an evening out. He was last seen at 2.45am on Tuesday 6 December in Railway Street, Chatham.

"Ben is described as 18 years old, 5ft 10ins, with a medium build and short brown hair. He is believed to be wearing a black waist-length jacket with a zip on one arm, a grey t-shirt with a large white number on the front, dark blue skinny jeans and black trainers with white detail.

"Anyone who may have seen Ben or knows where he might be is urged to call Kent Police on 999."