Enquiries regarding the whereabouts of 12-year-old Bryan Sewell and 14-year-old Dean Sheavils, who live in Brook Close, Newton Aycliffe, suggest they are in the Gateshead area.

The last confirmed sighting of them in County Durham was on May 11 at about 9.30am in woods close to their home.

Bryan is described as being of stocky build with brown eyes, dark brown and straight, short hair, with a faint scar above his right eye.

When last seen he was wearing black Reebok trainers, dark tracksuit bottoms and a grey tracksuit top, possibly hooded.

Dean Sheavils is described as white, about 5ft 2ins tall, of thin build, with mousey-coloured hair and blue eyes.

When last seen he was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms, a black tracksuit top and a red and grey Berghaus jacket.

He may also be wearing a football shirt.

Sergeant Carl Moss said: "Our enquiries lead us to strongly believe that Bryan and Dean are in the Gateshead area.

"They are considered vulnerable because of their age and the longer they are away from home the greater our concern for them.

"We need to ensure they are somewhere safe and being well cared for."

Bryan and Dean are believed to have family in the Gateshead and Blyth areas, respectively.

Sgt Moss urged anyone with information about the missing boys' whereabouts to contact Newton Aycliffe police via the non-emergency number 0845 606 0365.