Fears for missing girl aged nine or ten last seen getting into a car with a man 'in his 40s' as police launch 'urgent' appeal to find her

Police today launched an urgent appeal to find a missing girl aged nine or ten after she was last seen getting into a car with a man 'in his 40s'.

The child, thought to be either nine or ten years old, was seen by a concerned member of the public getting into the car in Middlesbrough at around 8.30am.

The passerby thought the incident was 'suspicious' and called the police.

Officers are now urgently appealing for information and have asked anyone with any details to get in touch.

The child, thought to be either nine or ten years old, was seen by a concerned member of the public getting into the car in Middlesbrough at around 8.30am (file image)

The girl, who was wearing a pink puffa jacket, was described as white with a tanned complexion and brown shoulder-length hair. 

The man was also described as white with a tanned complexion. He had dark hair with grey flecks in it, was an average build and was wearing a black t-shirt.

Police said the car was small and black as well as 'new and clean'. It was potentially a Vauxhall Corsa. 

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Carr said: 'This is a concerning report and our priority is ensuring the girl is safe and well. We have already carried out a number of enquiries and people in the area will have seen a police presence.

'We are appealing to anyone who saw what happened or has information to assist us to please contact us urgently. This includes anyone who recognises these descriptions and believes it involves them or a family member.'

Anyone with information should call police on 101 with reference number 15452. 

MailOnline has contacted Cleveland Constabulary for comment.