Marsh yields no trace of missing girl

Danielle Jones has been missing for a week

Police have called off their search of marsh and farmland in Essex after a third day looking for the missing teenager Danielle Jones.

Nothing significant has been found but police said they were likely to search other areas on Wednesday.

Police have found no trace of the 15-year-old, despite a large-scale hunt that has included a finger-tip search of marshes and farmland in West Tilbury, Essex.

Danielle disappeared eight days ago after leaving her home at East Tilbury to catch a bus to school.

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A police spokeswoman said: "The search of Parsonage Common has come to a conclusion.

Parsonage Common: "Nothing significant found"

"Police are considering searches of other areas from tomorrow - which locations to search are still under discussion."

Danielle went missing wearing her blue school uniform with her school things, a packed lunch and very little money.

She was last seen by her family at 0800BST on Monday 18 June when she left for school.

A girl matching her description was later seen getting into a blue Transit-style van nearby.

Police are not sure whether it was Danielle, or whether she got into the van willingly.

Police have seized a number of vehicles for examination.

Danielle: "Not worldly wise"

Danielle's best friend, Lauren Payne, 14, made a plea for Danielle to get in touch.

"Danielle is the kind of friend you can always trust. She always listens to what you have to say.

"Please Danielle, if you read or hear this, we want you back.

"We need to know you're safe."

Search tip-off

On Monday officers carried out an aerial search of another area of land behind Danielle's home using a police helicopter.

Acting Chief Inspector Grahame Pinder, who is leading the search effort, said the crew were looking for any signs of disturbed ground, where a body could be hidden.

He said they had been directed to the marsh area and to the second site by a tip-off.

"We have had some information that has led us to believe we should look at this area to provide any clues to help with the investigation," he said.

Parents being comforted

Danielle's parents are being comforted at home by a family liaison officer.

A police spokeswoman said: "They are bearing up well considering the circumstances, but are obviously very anxious for Danielle's welfare."

On Monday morning Essex Police released a man from Thurrock, Essex, who they had been holding on suspicion of abduction.

The man, who is in his early 40s, was freed on police bail until 22 August.

Police repeated their appeals for anyone with information about Danielle to come forward.

Danielle - who lives with her parents and younger brother - is 5ft 7in, slim, with blue eyes and long blonde hair and a brace on her teeth.