CONCERN is mounting for a 15-year-old girl who has been missing for nine weeks. Lena Begum from Hitchin was last seen on or about August 1 and is believed to be in the London area. She is described as slim, 5ft 6in tall, of Asian appearance with brown eye

CONCERN is mounting for a 15-year-old girl who has been missing for nine weeks.

Lena Begum from Hitchin was last seen on or about August 1 and is believed to be in the London area.

She is described as slim, 5ft 6in tall, of Asian appearance with brown eyes and long, black straight hair. She usually wears two gold rings on her left hand and a necklace.

Despite extensive enquiries by police there have been no sightings of Lena since she disappeared and there are now grave concerns about her safety and welfare.

Det Insp Graham Pearson, from the eastern area missing persons unit, said: "We appeal to anyone who has information about Lena's whereabouts to come forward and tell us.

"She is a vulnerable and impressionable girl and we are concerned that she should be safe and well cared for. Her family are very worried about her and miss her very much."

If you know where Lena is, contact Hertfordshire Constabulary on 0845 33 00 222 or the National Missing Persons Helpline on 0500 700 700. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.