Family and friends of a missing teenager say they are growing increasingly concerned for her safety.

Rachel Wilson, 19, from Middlesbrough, has not been seen by her family for more than a week.

The disappearance of Ms Wilson - who works as a prostitute - is said to be completely out of character.

She is the third prostitute from the town to go missing in the last four years.

I am worried that she might have been killed

Friend of Rachel Wilson

Cleveland Police confirmed Ms Wilson had been reported missing earlier this week by her worried family.

A regular heroin user, Ms Wilson was last heard from on 31 May and has not visited any of her usual drug dealers in that time.

A family friend of Ms Wilson - who does not want to be named - told BBC News Online her mum was desperately worried.

"Rachel is the kind of girl who would visit a member of her family at least once a day," he said.

"If she was going away there is no doubt she would get in touch with her mum to tell her.

Prostitute murdered

"What is very worrying is the fact she has not visited any of her usual drug dealers this week, which she would have normally done."

In April 1998, 17-year-old Donna Keogh vanished from Hartington Road in Middlesbrough after reports she was seen getting into a red hatchback car.

Her disappearance was re-examined after 21-year-old prostitute Vicky Glass went missing in 2000.

The body of Ms Glass was found on moorland at the edge of the village of Danby, in North Yorkshire, months later.

Previous attacks

Her killer has not been found.

Ms Wilson's friend added: "I am worried she might have been killed.

"She has already been attacked at least three times since she turned to prostitution a year ago."

Inspector Ian Swann, of Middlesbrough Police said: "This is completely out of character for Rachel.

"Her family are now really concerned for her welfare."