New sighting helps trace route of teenager who went missing

Ben, who lives in Swillington, Leeds, was reported missing on Saturday morning after he failed to return home from a night out in Wakefield.

He had been dropped off in the city centre by his mum and had been to watch his friend's band play a gig in The Black Flag in Smyth Street.

Ben's family and police are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare, as his disappearance is out of character.

Yesterday, his mother Christine, said: "It is out of character. If he was okay he would have rung me by now. I am more than concerned, it's just not Ben."

The police search, which has already included the River Calder and has seen West Yorkshire Police draft in the Force helicopter to help cover the area, continued yesterday as members of Ben's family and friends carried on with their own search of Wakefield city centre and the surrounding areas.

Yesterday police revealed their inquiries have revealed a further sighting of the teenager near the JCT 600 garage in Denby Dale Road just after 1.30am on Saturday.

Ben walked from Westgate, down Queen Street, along George Street at the side of Gala Bingo across Ings Road and along Denby Dale Road.

His last contact with friends or family was at around 1.30am, when he sent a text message to his mother.

A group on social networking website Facebook called 'Find Ben Manning,' already has more than a thousand members.

Ben is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with light brown hair. When he disappeared he was wearing grey jeans and a grey fleece-type jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 01924 334716.