Ref. 29461-12SHOULD police locate where Joanna is, one of the powers open to them is to enforce a Police Protection Order, which gives them the power to take Joanna into their care before handing her over to her parents or social services.

Jean Pollard, assistant director of children and family services at Swindon Social Services, said: "We are clearly very concerned she (Joanna) is missing and would like her to get in touch with us, the police or her family so we can look at what sort of support we can offer.

"She is vulnerable, needs to be protected and I take this situation very seriously, but we don't know where she is living."

There are currently some 372 vulnerable young people aged 16 and under in the care of Swindon social services, the majority of whom have been removed from their families.

Swindon Council spokesman Gavin Calthrop said: "Every single case is judged on its individual circumstances. Just because a person reaches the age of 16 doesn't necessarily prevent a local authority obtaining a child protection order. However, the authority would have to take into account all the evidence and factors when considering the vulnerability of an individual."

Hreod Parkway headteacher, Andrew Fleet, was unavailable for comment.

"I don't know where she is or what I can do . . . I'm sick with worry". Graham Ludlow

If you see her

ANYONE who spots Joanna in or around Swindon should contact Swindon police on 01793 528111 and ask to speak to PC Robert Sweeney at the Joanna Ludlow missing person inquiry team or Swindon social services on 01793 463000.