POLICE say they are now ‘extremely concerned’ for missing teenager Nathan Taylor.

The search to find the teenager continued overnight with specialist officers and trained units searching the Latchford area.

The Mersey is also being searched by boat between Kingsway and the town centre, while officers have also searched nearby allotments and Victoria Park.

Parents Amanda and Chris issued a statement through police appealing for their son to contact them.

In it they said: “Nathan we are all devastated about your disappearance.

“If you are listening to this, or have seen the appeal for you, please contact us.

“We are all so worried about you and need to know you are safe.”

The 18-year-old was last seen at 11.30pm on Saturday at the Bridge Bar in Latchford, leaving a party.

Warrington Guardian:

He told family and friends he was walking home alone to Connaught Avenue in Padgate.

Witnesses say he refused to get in a taxi, but instead left alone, on foot.

Police are warning members of the public not to risk their own safety in the search for Nathan.

Superintendent Martin Cleworth said "We are extremely concerned for Nathan′s welfare, especially given the exceptionally bad weather conditions we experienced last weekend.

“We have a significant amount of resources committed in the search for Nathan, and understand that this is completely out of character for him to not be in touch with his family or friends.

“We urge anyone who may have been at the party that evening and may have seen Nathan leaving the premises, or perhaps anyone who he spoke with on that evening or since, and may have knowledge of his current whereabouts, to contact Cheshire Police as a matter of urgency".

Well wishers gathered outside of the Bridge Bar at 11am intending to search themselves for Nathan.

Thelwall resident Joanne Rutter, aged 35, organised the meeting.

She said: “We’re not saying the police aren’t doing their job, but they only have so many resources.

“We just want the lad to be found.”

However, police told residents they would not be allowed to search as areas where the teenager may have gone are too dangerous.

Family and friends have launched a social networking campaign to help find him.

A ‘find Nathan Luke Taylor’ Facebook page has been set up, with 1,587 ‘likes’ so far.

News bulletins are being posted on the page, with messages also left from well wishers.

Caroline Spencer said: “Hope and pray Nathan is found safe and well and returned to his family soon, my heart goes out to you all.”

Debbie Dagley said: “Can’t imagine what you’re going through. Praying for a safe return.”

And on Twitter further appeals are being made for information on Nathan’s whereabouts.

Lead by Hannah Taylor, reportedly his cousin, the hashtag #findNathan is being used.

When he was last seen the Warrington Collegiate media student was wearing a long-sleeved grey sweatshirt with a distinctive emblem of two tigers on the front and black, skinny jeans.

He is white, 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build, clean shaved, with brown eyes and short hair and a fringe to one side.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident 295 of 27 January.