Thieves target Danielle incident room

The incident room is staffed by police and residents

Thieves have stolen the generator from a mobile incident room used by detectives investigating the disappearance of the Essex schoolgirl Danielle Jones.

The trailer has been parked in the teenager's home village of East Tilbury to encourage residents to come forward with information.

Police have condemned the theft as "heartless and despicable".

The generator which was secured under the station was taken on Wednesday evening.

The mobile unit was set up as result of pressure from local people who wanted to help in the search for Danielle, who disappeared more than seven weeks ago.

Danielle: Last seen seven weeks ago

A police spokeswoman said: "People know what the van was there for. It's absolutely despicable that anyone would hinder that investigation."

Resident Jackie Stephens, who is manning the station every day with police officers, said: "It's not just an issue for the police, this caravan was put here for Danielle and the investigation, and to encourage people to drop in with information.

"I just can't believe it."

Danielle was last seen at about 0800BST on Monday 18 June.

Mrs Jones has said she has accepted that her daughter is probably dead.

Positive sightings

There have been only three positive sightings of Danielle since she was last seen - all on the morning of her disappearance.

Two male school friends said they saw her leave home and make a sudden about-turn, believing she was going to the local shop on her way to the bus.

An adult witness said he saw Danielle standing on the corner of Bure Road and Coronation Road the same morning.

Police have revealed that a witness saw Danielle talking to the male driver of a dark blue Transit type van while she was standing on a pavement.