Backpacker missing in Australia

Mr Neale had only been in Australia for a month before going missing

Police are searching for a 19-year-old backpacker from north London who has gone missing in Australia.

Jamie Neale, from Muswell Hill, was last seen on Friday when police believe he left his hostel in New South Wales for a walk in the Blue Mountains.

A New South Wales police spokesman said some of Mr Neale's belongings, including his mobile phone and personal papers, were found at the hostel.

The alarm was raised after he failed to turn up for a tour on Saturday.

Bad weather

The teenager checked into the youth hostel in Katoomba on Thursday and was last seen at about 0940 BST the next day.

Police rescue teams, dog handlers and firefighters joined in the search but bad weather has prevented an aerial search.

Mr Neale's father, Richard Cass, has flown out to Australia to help in the search.

The missing backpacker's aunt, Caroline Neale, said: "We didn't realise anything was wrong until Monday when Sydney police phoned us and said he hadn't checked out of his room and when they went in his room his passport was still there."

Mr Neale's brother Gary, 27, said he had only been in Australia for a month before he went missing.

Police are trying to trace a Canadian backpacker, Mathew Cayes, who they believe may have spoken to Mr Neale before he left.

They believe he could have vital information about the route Mr Neale planned to take.