Fears grow over missing Samantha Thomas and 10-month-old son

Police are growing increasingly concerned over the whereabouts and safety of a young mother and her baby son who have not been seen since they went shopping on Christmas Eve.

Samatha Thomas, 24, from Sheerness, Kent, disappeared along with her 10-month-old son, who has not been named, after she was last seen by a male friend at home at 10.30am on Christmas Eve.

The mum set out with her son to buy clothes from a Tesco on the Isle of Sheppey, but neither she nor the child have been seen since, police said.

Kent constabulary appealed for help in tracing Ms Thomas, who they believe may have travelled to London, releasing a picture of the young woman as officers visited addresses in the area.

A spokesman said: "Officers are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare and urge Samantha to get in touch to let them know she is safe and well."

They added that it was out of character for her to go missing without contact with her relatives and friends.

Ms Thomas was described as having blue eyes and dark brown, should-length hair. She was said to have been wearing a dark-coloured leather jacket, with a maroon blouse and black leggings when she set off for the supermarket in Bridge Road.

Her son was wearing a red coat and blue knitted hat.

Anyone with information about Samantha's whereabouts is asked to call Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 24-614.