THE grandmother of a teenager who has been missing since Saturday has made a direct appeal to her granddaughter. Rebecca Marshall, 19, of Fullers Court in Letchworth GC, was last seen on North Road near Lister Hospital in Stevenage at about 10.15pm on Sat

THE grandmother of a teenager who has been missing since Saturday has made a direct appeal to her granddaughter.

Rebecca Marshall, 19, of Fullers Court in Letchworth GC, was last seen on North Road near Lister Hospital in Stevenage at about 10.15pm on Saturday.

She requires medical attention, and police and hospital staff are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

Specialist police teams have been carrying out fingertip searches and hunting through thick undergrowth in a bid to find the teenager.

Rebecca's grandmother, 83-year-old Maisie Willmott, said: "It is not like Rebecca not to have been in touch and I am extremely worried about her.

"Rebecca, if you are reading this please contact the police or anyone in the family and let them know you are safe.

"I would also ask any of her friends, if they know anything at all about where she might be, to contact officers straightaway."

Rebecca is white, about 5ft 4ins tall and of slim build. She has brown hair, which she was wearing in a ponytail. She was last seen wearing a light blue jumper and black trousers.

Temporary Det Chief Insp Gary Atkinson, who is based at Stevenage police station, said: "I am deeply concerned for her welfare. It is out of character for her not to have been in contact with friends or family.

"Thorough searches have been carried out around the hospital and surrounding areas involving officers from specialist search teams, the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit, the force helicopter, and local officers. Extensive enquiries have also been made as part of our attempts to trace Rebecca safe and well.

"I would urge Rebecca, any of her friends, or anyone who has any information about her whereabouts to contact us as a matter of urgency on 0845 3300 222.