POLICE officers are using tracker dogs and the force helicopter to scour Stroud as they search for a missing teenager who has not been seen since last week.

Harini Payagala, aged 17, has not been seen since 12.40pm on Friday, September 16.

Insp Phil Offord, who is part of a team of officers searching for Harini, said: “We are very worried about Harnini and want to make sure that she is safe and well.

“We are urging anyone in the Stroud area that sees Harnini to contact us immediately by dialling 101.”

Harini is originally from Richmond in Surrey but has been staying in the Stratford Road area of Stroud since June.

She looks much younger than her 17 years and is described as Asian, approximately 4ft 10” tall and of slim build.

She has long black hair which she tends to wear in a ponytail.

When last seen she was wearing a pink and white long t-shirt/smock and dark trousers. She was also wearing a silver coloured necklace with a letter H on it.

“We’ve been carrying out searches across Stroud over the weekend and these are continuing today,” continued Inspector Offord. “At this stage we believe she is still in the Stroud area, and the police Dogs Unit and the police helicopter are being put to use.

“Harini is very shy and is likely to run away if she’s approached but we would urge anyone who sees her to contact police immediately so that we can make sure she’s okay."

Anyone with information should dial 101 to contact police on the new non-emergency line.