Police hunt missing 12-year-old

Tara's disappearance is described as "out of character"

Police are stepping up their search for a vulnerable 12-year-old girl who went missing from her foster home on Monday.

Tara North had been watching television at her Wednesbury home, when her foster mother heard the front door slam and found she had gone.

She is described as having special needs.

Her foster mother said Tara had never gone missing before but, despite searches by the West Midlands Police, there have been no sightings of her.

West Midlands Police say they are concerned because of her age, vulnerability and the fact that her disappearance is out of character.

About 40 police officers are searching parkland and derelict buildings.

Tara is described as white, 5 ft 4 in tall, of slim build with light brown hair.

When she was last seen she was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and white trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.