POLICE are appealing for help in finding a 15-year-old boy who has been missing since December.

Akram Oryakheil, who lives at Seymour Road Children's Home in Crumpsall, was last seen shortly before 3pm on December 17 when he fled from his carer while out shopping in Manchester city centre.

Police are growing increasingly concerned about him.

Akram, of Afghan origin, is described as 5ft 2ins tall, with short black hair and was wearing dark blue jeans, black trainers, a short black leather jacket and a dark brown sweater on the day of his disappearance.

He is known to have friends in the Gorton area and often visits the Mosque on Woodlands Road, Cheetham Hill.

Police Constable Harinder Bubbra, based at Collyhurst Police Station, said: "Akram has never gone missing before and it is totally out of character for him to do so.

"I would appeal to anyone who sees Akram or knows of his whereabouts to contact officers as soon as possible. I would particularly appeal to the Afghan community in Gorton who may see Akram to let us know he is safe and well."

Anyone with information is asked to call Collyhurst Police Station on 0161 856 3826, Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or Missing People on 0208 392 4527.