POLICE believe a missing Dudley girl may be in the Worcestershire area and have appealed for information as to her whereabouts.

Seventeen-year-old

Natalie Putt has been missing from her home in Lower Gornal, near Dudley, since Monday, September 1 last year - 11 weeks after giving birth to a baby boy called Rhys.

The last anyone heard from Natalie was when a friend received a text message from her saying she was staying with friends.

Police are emphasising Natalie is not in any trouble but they and her family are concerned for her welfare and want to make sure she is all right.

They have contacted relatives, friends, hostels and hotels in the area but to no avail.

"Natalie is not in any trouble - her family just want her to come home," said Sgt Wayne Jones of Sedgley Police Station.

"I would urge anyone with information as to her whereabouts to contact us or Natalie herself to call us and let us know she's alright."

Natalie is described as white, slim, about 5ft 1ins tall, with black shoulder-length hair, blue eyes, a pale complexion, with a Midlands accent.

She usually wears a pendant necklace with the words "Someone Special" engraved on it and was last seen wearing a white hooded top.

Anyone with information can contact Brierley Hill community safety bureau on 08451 135000.