Katie Howell, who may also use the surname of Marlow, lives in Southlands Road, Bexhill.

She had attended school on Monday morning, at Claverham Community College in Battle, but later left for Lewes on her own.

She was spotted in the town between 11am and 12noon that day, but she has not been seen since.

Katie is 5'5" tall, of slim build, and has a pale complexion and straight black shoulder length hair. She has green/hazel eyes and has both ears pierced.

When last seen she was wearing a Claverham uniform - a navy skirt with dark tights, a navy school jumper with the college logo on the breast, black shoes and a grey PVC jacket with elasticated waistband.

It is also known that she had taken with her a pair of dark navy track suit bottoms, scruffy white trainers and a white polo shirt.

Anyone who has seen Katie or knows where she might be is asked to contact Sussex Police via 0845 60 70 999, quoting Serial 864 of November 23.