Missing London schoolgirls: Police search for Fardowsa Hassan, Abir Salah and Ahlam Salah

Police in London have released photographs of three teenage girls as part of a public appeal after they were reported missing. The girls, two of whom are sisters of Somali descent, disappeared earlier this month and are believed to be travelling together.

They were named as Fardowsa Hassan, 13, Abir Salah, 16, and Ahlam Salah, 15. The girls are all from the Wood Green area in north London.

It is not thought the girls have left the country and police say they may be sleeping on buses or elsewhere on the transport network. Fardowsa and Abir were reported missing on 6 December while Ahlam, Abir's sister, was reported missing on 12 December.

Fardowsa is described as of Arabic appearance, 5ft 5in tall and of medium build. Abir is a black female, of Somali decent, 5ft 10in tall and of medium build. Ahlam is a black female, of Somali decent, 5ft 5in tall and of medium build.

All the girls' families are concerned for their welfare and urge them to contact them, or the police, to let them know they are safe and well. Anyone with information is asked to contact Haringey Missing Persons Unit on 101.