A TEENAGER who vanished from her Cheshire home six weeks ago could be in East Lancashire, police said today.

The 17-year-old, called Shefilea - her family do not want her surname to be made public - is from the Warrington area.

But Cheshire police, who are trying to find out her whereabouts, believe she could be with friends among East Lancashire's ethnic population.

Shefilea is an Asian girl, 5ft 3in, slim build, with brown eyes, dark brown hair, worn below her shoulder with blonde streaks, and with pierced ears. She is believed to be wearing western-style clothing.

At the time of leaving home she is believed to have had a small black handbag with white diagonal stripes on it and a plastic bag with the 'New Look' motif on it, which contains school work.

She may be wearing a gold ring with a green stone on her index finger and a gold ring with a white diamond, and a gold necklace with the initial 'S' attached.

Shefilea was last seen on Thursday, September 11. A police spokesman said: "Despite extensive inquiries with her friends and family, police have been unable to locate her and concerns are now mounting regarding her welfare and wellbeing."

Shefilea was being treated for a medical condition affecting her throat and stomach. She failed to attend hospital for an appointment on September 12 and doctors have said that without special treatment she may now be unable to swallow liquids.

Contact Warrington Police on 01244 613833, or the National Missing Persons Helpline on 0500 700700.