Chart-topping band Steps on Friday made an high-profile appeal for Danielle Jones to come home.

It came as police revealed a mobile phone message had been sent from Danielle's mobile phone after she vanished.

The five-member band - the 15-year-old's favourite group - agreed to make a public appeal in London today for Danielle to make contact with police, her family or friends.

For more on this story see 'Essex: 'Don't give up on Danielle'' in the drop-down menu at the bottom of this story

More information on the hunt for Danielle on the Essex Police website at www.essex.police.uk An Essex Police spokesman said: "Danielle is a huge fan. We are hoping she will read it, hear it see it. We just hope it will somehow help. The band were only too pleased to help and we are grateful to them for making themselves available."

Police said the text message is understood to be the last contact with Danielle who vanished in East Tilbury ten days ago.

Police refused to discuss the message and would not speculate on who sent it or who it was received by.

Det Supt Peter Coltman, who is leading the investigation into Danielle's disappearance, said police are investigating text messages sent to and from the youngster going back some time.

Officers were trying to trace everybody who knew Danielle and her "text pals" were among them.

He said: "We want to talk with people who knew her that way too."

Missing - Danielle Jones cuddles her pet rabbit at home

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