POLICE are digging up a field in Himley as they continue investigations into the disappearance of a Lower Gornal teenager ten years ago.

Natalie Putt, who was aged 17 at the time, disappeared without trace on September 1, 2003 from her Thornleigh home, leaving behind her 11 week-old son Rhys.

Specialist West Midlands Police officers and detectives this week moved on the private field, by Himley Lodge, off the A449 Stourbridge Road following new information.

Superintendent Andy Parsons, from Dudley Police, said: "The missing person's investigation into Natalie's disappearance has always remained open and a number of new lines of enquiry have been investigated over the past ten years.

"This current search is based on new information received by our investigation team and Natalie's family have been informed of the latest developments.

"We continue to urge people with information relating to this investigation to contact us as soon as possible."

Natalie’s family, who continue to care for Rhys, have made several appeals over the years for information over her disappearance, which they said at the time was totally out of character.

Her story also featured on television in the hope of tracing the teen.

Anyone able to help the police inquiry should call Dudley Police by dialling 101.