POLICE are stepping up the hunt for a 14-year-old girl who has been missing from home for almost a month by putting up posters and handing out leaflets appealing for information.

Fears are growing for the safety of Sarah Louise Watson who went missing at 11.15pm on July 19.

She took a taxi from her home in Leamington Avenue, Burnley, to go with her cousin to her home in Rosehill Road.

She was expected to continue in the taxi and return home but failed to turn up and was reported missing three days later.

Detectives have now produced a series of posters picturing Sarah and asking for help to find her.

The posters, which include a dedicated phone line number, are being displayed in shops and businesses around Burnley town centre and on buses.

Police officers and traffic wardens are also handing out leaflets toin areas like Duke Bar. Laminated posters are also being on lamp posts.

The last reported sighting of Sarah was in the Duke Bar area about a week ago.

Detective Inspector Mark Maxlow, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are growing increasingly concerned for Sarah. It is several weeks since she went missing, although we have had several good sightings of her.

"Although she describes herself as streetwise, she is only 14 and we are concerned for her welfare. I would encourage anybody with information to come forward and contact us."

Sarah is white, 5ft 7in, slimly built, with hazel eyes and light-brown. shoulder-length hair.

She was last seen wearing a navy blue jacket with three-quarter length, dark tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. Anyone with information should contact police on 01282 472143 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence on 0800 555 111.