POLICE are searching a rural area between Didcot and the village of Upton including a disused railway line as they continue to hunt for missing teenager Jayden Parkinson.

Thames Valley Police staged a press conference at the force headquarters in Kidlington this afternoon to appeal for information about the 17-year-old from the Didcot area, who was last seen in Iffley Road, Oxford, on Tuesday last week.

It followed this morning’s announcement that a man from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.

  • Listen to the press conference

Detectives showed a CCTV picture of Jayden leaving Oxford rail station on Tuesday, December 3 at about 4pm.

Det Chief Supt Andy Murray of Thames Valley Police said: “We have in custody a 22-year-old man who is in a relationship with Jayden.

“He is in custody. He is part of our enquiries to prove or disprove whether Jayden has come to any harm - he will be with us until at least this evening.

“I want to focus on the hope that Jayden is safe but as time goes by we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

“Information has come to light which has made us want to search certain areas.”

Det Chief Supt Murray said about 50 detectives involved in the investigation. About 40 officers have been involved in the search of the rural area.

He added: “Let us hope that Jayden is out there and is safe and well somewhere.”

Det Chief Murray said family liaison officers were currently comforting Jayden’s family.

He said: “They are shocked, concerned and just want to see Jayden safe and well.”

Anyone with information should call Thames Valley Police via the non-emergency number 101 and quote URN 542 10/12 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org