THE family of an Accrington hard-of-hearing teenager who has been missing from home for three weeks said today they fear for his safety.

Christopher Joseph Knott, 19, has not been seen since around 3pm on September 11 when he left the residential deaf school he attends in Doncaster taking no belongings with him.

He was due to return to the family home in Willows Lane, Accrington, but detectives believe he may have travelled to Stoke.

His mother, father, three brothers and one sister are now anxious about his disappearance. His mother Christine has been to Doncaster to help police, but detectives have drawn a blank.

Christopher's father Allan said: "We don't know where he could be. It's very upsetting.

"My wife has been to Doncaster and it looks like he's left all his clothes in his room."

Mr Knott said his eldest son Anthony, 22, works as the manager of a garage in Doncaster and added: "Christopher had a mobile phone. Anthony said he had managed to get through to him, but we have not heard anything since."

Christopher is described as 5ft 5in, slim, with blue eyes, light brown short straight hair. He wore a cream Nike top and white Adidas trainers. He wears a hearing aid on both ears.

The officer in charge of the investigation PS Christine Driver said: "We are growing increasingly concerned as Christopher has not been seen for almost three weeks and is believed to be vulnerable."

Call Accrington Police on 01254 353721 or the National Missing Persons Helpline on 0500 700700.