FEARS are growing for the safety of a teenager with learning difficulties who has been missing for nearly a week.

Anthony Smith, 19, has not been seen since leaving his home at Dover Close, Blackburn, at 11am on Thursday August 10 when he said he was going to meet a friend.

Anthony has been missing before but never for this long and police and his family are worried about him.

Sergeant Joanne South said: "Both Anthony's family and the police are concerned for his welfare because of his learning difficulties and that he is easily lead astray.

"We are appealing for anyone with information about Anthony to come forward or for Anthony to make contact with the police or his family to say he is safe and well."

Anthony is white, of medium build, with a spotty, fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. When he was last seen he was wearing a blue Adidas track suit and white Adidas trainers.

Anybody with information should contact police on 01254 51212.