Missing teen Ciaran Sweeney 'could be getting help'
A Nottinghamshire teenager missing for nearly two weeks could be getting help to hide, police have said.
Ciaran Sweeney, 14, was reported missing from his home in Mansfield's Oak Tree estate on 14 September.
Despite an appeal by his family and a number of possible sightings in the area, Ciaran has not made contact.
Officers have confirmed they will ask to search the homes of school friends, saying anyone assisting Ciaran must consider the distress to his family.
Police added that extensive house-to-house inquires would also continue, alongside searches of gardens and outbuildings.
Staff at Samworth Church Academy described Ciaran as a "pleasant, academically bright, hardworking student"
Ch Insp Paul Winter said: "We are extremely concerned for Ciaran's welfare and we are doing everything we can to help try and find him.
"We believe that someone may be offering Ciaran shelter, food and water, and while they may believe they are helping him we would urge them to get in touch with us immediately.
"Ciaran's disappearance has devastated his family and friends and we just need to get him home as soon as possible."
Ciaran is white, about 5ft 2in (1.57m) with brown short hair and a slim build.
He was last seen wearing a black coat with a hooded top, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.