TV presenter Nadia Sawalha appeals for help to find daughter’s friend

TV presenter Nadia Sawalha has called for help to find the 16-year-old friend of her daughter who has been missing for three days.

Police are searching for Owen Harding who was last seen when he left his family home in Saltdean, East Sussex on Thursday.

Sawalha, who played Annie Palmer in EastEnders and was one of the original presenters of ITV’s Loose Women, posted on Twitter: “PLEASE PLEASE help FIND my daughters friend OWEN HARDING .. he is only SIXTEEN.

“His MOTHER is beside herself with worry. He is at HIGH RISK. You can only imagine how hard this is for his friends and family! IF you’ve seen or heard ANYTHING please contact below! URGENT”

Owen’s mother Stella told the BBC: “Clearly it is a really difficult time for everyone at the moment… and our ability to get out of the house and find him is limited.

“We think there is a possibility that something has happened to Owen and are appealing for those in Saltdean, Telscombe, Ovingdean and Brighton to look out for him.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police are searching for teenager Owen Harding, who is missing from his home in Saltdean.

“The 16-year-old was last seen leaving his home address about 7pm on Thursday 26 March.

“He has not been in touch with any friends or family since then, and his disappearance is out of character.

“Owen is described as white, about 5’9”, of athletic build, with short brown hair. He normally wears white trainers, tracksuit trousers and a dark hoodie.

“Residents in Saltdean and the surrounding areas are being urged to check any sheds or outbuildings, and contact police if they see Owen. He also has links to the East Riding area of Yorkshire.”