POLICE are appealing for the public to help trace a teenage boy who has been missing for almost a month.

Sam Lockwood, 17, from Bishops Hill, in Ipswich, was reported missing to police on 18 December by his family, who had not seen him since December 13.

He made contact with his family to say that he was staying with friends in Essex gave no further details.

Police have also had a report of a sighting of Sam in Ipswich on December 26 and are keen to locate him to know he is safe and well.

Sam is described as white, 5ft 10in, of medium build with short blond hair and green eyes.

If you know of his whereabouts or have seen him, call the duty sergeant at Ipswich police on 101.