Police have urged the public not to carry out their own search for missing teenager Jayden Parkinson from Didcot. 

They have said they are at a critical stage of the investigation for the missing 17-year-old and due to the nature of their own searches they have requested the public refrain from organising their own.

Supt Christian Bunt said: “At this stage it is a critical time in our investigation in to the disappearance of Jayden Parkinson.

"There are currently a number of search scenes in the Didcot and the surrounding locality. We appreciate the public’s co-operation and understanding while this takes place.

"Due to the nature of the police searches taking place we would request the public refrain from organising their own search activity at this stage to avoid the risk of jeopardising the investigation.

"We continue to appreciate the public’s help and support and continue to appeal for anyone with any information to contact us on 101.”

Jayden went missing on Tuesday, December 3, after leaving a hostel in Iffley Road, Oxford, where she was staying. She travelled by train from the city to Didcot, the town where he family lived.

Police yesterday revealed their investigation is focussing on finding a man seen in the village of Upton, near Didcot, who was struggling with a large suitcase in the early hours of Monday, December 9.

Police are saying they do not know if Jayden's body was in that suitcase.