Fears are growing for the welfare of a pregnant teenager who has gone missing from a children's home.

Karina Williamson, 14, disappeared from Kites children's home in Valkyrie Road, Westcliff, on Friday. The youngster, who is seven-and-a-half months pregnant, is suffering from anaemia and may become seriously ill if she does not receive medication.

She telephoned the home on Friday to say she had missed the last train home from London's Liverpool Street. She has not been heard of since. It is thought she may have gone to London to find her mother.

Karina is black, 5ft 5ins, slim, with brown eyes and dark shoulder-length hair tied in a single plait. She was last seen wearing a green jacket, blue tracksuit bottoms and a black top.

Chris Welch, director of obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics in Basildon and Thurrock, said anaemia in pregnancy could potentially lead to heart failure.

In cases of anaemia, the amount of haemoglobin, which carries vital oxygen to the cells and organs of the body, is less than it should be.

Mr Welch said: "During pregnancy, the blood volume increases to feed the growing womb, breasts and other tissues. The heart has to pump harder, so the pulse goes up."

A police spokesman said: "Karina needs to have regular iron injections.

"If she does not she could collapse and her life, and that of her baby, could be put at severe risk."

If you know where she is you should call Southend police urgently on 01702 431212.

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