The family of missing Katherine Crabb today made an emotional appeal for her return as detectives confirmed she had not been seen for ten days.

Her family, including her mother Gaynor Bryant, sisters Olivia Channon and Abigail Bryant and stepfather Stuart Bryant, appeared at a Press conference to appeal for anyone who may have seen her to come forward.

Mrs Bryant, addressing her daughter directly, said: "Katherine, if you are out there, we so want you to come home.

"We miss you and love you so much. Even if you feel you can't come home for whatever reason, please phone home.

"Please ring, whatever the problem is. Please come home."

Olivia added: "Everyone is really worried about you. I can speak for the whole family when I say this has been the worst week of our lives."

Detective Chief Inspector Tony O'Donnell, who is heading the hunt for the 23-year-old, said: "Katherine suffers from depression. She is very vulnerable and we are increasingly concerned about her welfare.

"Despite making extensive inquiries and numerous appeals in the media, we have not had any confirmed sightings of Katherine.

"We appeal to Katherine to call home and say she is safe and well and also to anyone who may have seen her since she went missing.

"I would also appeal to this possible friend, Kelly Clark. Kelly, could you come forward please.

"I would also emphasise this remains a missing persons inquiry. There is no evidence to suggest anything untoward has happened to her."

Katherine was last seen leaving her home in Welland Road, Worthing, at 12.45pm on April 21 after saying she was going to stay with Kelly in Durrington.

She was wearing blue jeans, a waist-length red coat and trainers when she disappeared. She had no access to cash and detectives have been unable to track down or identify the friend.

Police officers have been examining her computer and sifting through emails in the hope of turning up clues to her disappearance.

Anyone who has any information is asked to call 0845 6070999.