THE mother of a missing teenage girl, who is believed to be in the Dudley area, has made a desperate plea for her return.

Sarah Dunn, aged 14, has not been in touch with family or friends since her disappearance on Monday, September 28.

Now nearly four weeks on, her mum Christine has made a heartfelt plea for her daughter to get in touch.

Sarah, from Herefordshire, went missing during a shopping trip to Bridgnorth.

The teenager, who is currently in the care of social services, made off from the carers she was with. She did not have any cash on her or a mobile phone leading police to become very concerned for her welfare.

Speaking at a press conference at Brierley Hill police station this afternoon, Detective Inspector Jon Roberts from West Mercia Police, who is leading the investigation, said Sarah had recently gained an interest in the Islam faith.

He said: “We are particularly appealing to the Asian community who may have a white female with them.

“We know Sarah was looking at converting to Islam and was reading the Qur'an and had purchased a prayer mat and was praying.

“But there is no evidence that she has come to harm and is under the influence of anything apart from her own free will”

CCTV images and street searches have led officers to believe she is in the Dudley area, with Coseley mentioned as a possibility.

Although Sarah is only 14-years-old, her family say she could easily pass for someone older.

When she went missing Sarah, who is described as white, 5ft 2 tall, slim build, with dyed black, medium length hair, was wearing white jeans, a white short-sleeved T-shirt with a thick black and white jacket which had a dice motif on and black ballet style shoes.

Police have also advised she does change her hair colour and until recently had blonde coloured hair.

Appealing for her daughter’s return, Christine Dunn, said: “I would like to make a simple appeal to my daughter Sarah to please get in touch with me and let me now that you are well.

“Just give me a ring or make contact in whatever way you can. There are lots of people who have your best interests at heart.

“Just let us know you are alright. That is all I ask of you Sarah.”

If anyone has any information about Sarah’s whereabouts they are asked to call Hereford police station on 0300 333 3000 or the free confidential Missing People helpline on 0808 800 7070, alternatively text 80234.