POLICE believe a thirteen-year-old runaway is being sheltered by someone in the Padiham area.

David Nugent ran off from his home in Leyland Road, Burnley, at 9.30pm on Sunday. He took a bag of clothes with him.

He has since been seen on the streets of Padiham in a clean and tidy condition, indicating that someone is looking after him.

PC Dave Wiggan said: "We are concerned for him because of his age.

"We don't believe he is in danger but we want him back home, so he and his mother, Helen, can sort things out between them.

"We think he is stopping with someone in the Padiham area. Whoever that is, we would ask that they make contact with us, or with his mother, so that David can go back home."

David has been missing previously, and PC Wiggan said: "We really do need to speak to him, and his mother wants him back home."

David is described as being small and slim, with blue eyes, short blond hair and a fair complexion.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Wiggan on 01282 425001.