Search for missing girl called off

Volunteers searched more than 80 acres of land

The search for clues to the disappearance of Essex teenager Danielle Jones was called off by police on Saturday afternoon but will continue on Sunday.

Detectives were inundated with offers from volunteers after they appealed for help to search an area of open land close to the 15-year-old's home.

Despite the three hour fingertip search by more than 400 volunteers, nothing significant was found.

Sixty officers led a team that included members of the public, special constables, traffic wardens and medics through more than 80 acres of marshland alongside the River Thames at Coalhouse Fort.

Danielle went missing on her way to school

It was the first time the public had been asked for help since the teenager went missing nearly two weeks ago.

A £10,000 reward has been offered by the Sunday People newspaper for information leading to the safe return of Daniella.

Specialist police teams, fire and rescue workers and civilian search organisations will continue the searches on Sunday without members of the public.

After Saturday's efforts, a police spokeswoman said: "We will be taking away things found on the search but at the moment there is nothing significant that we are aware of that has been found."

Danielle was last seen leaving her house to catch a bus to school at around 0800BST on Monday 18 June.

Two boys from her school St Clere's secondary school in Stanford-le-Hope, saw her walking towards the bus stop.

A girl matching her description was then seen getting into a dark blue Transit-type van, apparently "without hesitation".

Several hours later a text message believed to be from her mobile was received.

Pop group's appeal

Police refused to discuss the message and would not speculate on who sent it or who it was received by.

Danielle's parents Linda, 41, and Tony, 40, who attended the search, have appealed for help in finding their daughter.

Mr Jones thanked the public for their help and told BBC News: "I'll never give up hope."

Children at St Clere's have also been urged to contact police if they have any information.

Danielle's parents made an emotional appeal

Pupil Michael Lees 14, joined the team of volunteers.

His mother Barbara, 50, said: "If there's anything we can do to help we will do it."

Stacey Gilbert, 36, of nearby Linford, whose daughter Jodie is at the school, also volunteered.

She said: "My daughter doesn't sleep at night, cries all the time and will not leave the house after school."

"We have got to do something."

Pop stars Steps have also made an appeal to missing schoolgirl Danielle Jones to contact her family to let them know she is safe.

The 15-year-old is a big fan of the band and it is hoped she or someone who knows where she is may respond to the message.

Previous searches yielded nothing significant

Detectives are desperate for new leads in the hunt for Danielle, and say they are "very gravely concerned" for her safety.

Detective Superintendent Peter Coltman, who led the search, said earlier: "As time goes by we are becoming increasingly concerned."

He added that Danielle's disappearance was devastating for her family.

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.

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

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