Police today renewed their appeal for help to find a 15-year-old boy, missing from his Benfleet home for more than a month, as concerns for his safety grew.

Matthew Cox disappeared following an argument with his family.

Police now believe he could be in the Clacton area and are appealing for him to come forward for the sake of his family.

A spokeswoman for Essex police said: "We urge him to contact his family or notify police that he is safe and well."

It is thought Matthew first went to London, then travelled to Clacton. There had been some sightings of the boy during the first few weeks, but these have stopped and police are concerned for his safety.

Matthew, who went missing on June 16, is 5ft 6ins tall, of medium build, with brown shoulder length hair, brown eyes and has two earings in his left ear.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Benfleet police on 01268 756221 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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