POLICE are searching for a 17-year-old girl who has gone missing from her home in Hullbridge.

Mao Ying Zhang, an asylum seeker from China, who has been living with foster carers in Hullbridge, went missing on Tuesday, May 25, after taking all her possessions with her.

Mao has very long, straight black hair and brown eyes. She is about 5ft 6ins tall with a slim build and speaks very little English, with a strong accent.

Mao, who is a Christian, has been described as being deeply religious and it is known she had an interest in attending Chinese church. She will have a Bible in her possession.

Inspector Andy Parkman said: “We are keen to discover the whereabouts of Mao Ying Zhang and would especially appeal to members of the Chinese community to come forward with any information they have about her.

“We have cast our net further afield and have made enquires with our police colleagues in the Chinatown area of London in a bid to trace her. We need to ensure she is safe and well and has come to no harm.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Rochford on 0300 3334444.