Concerned students from Durham University have joined officers in the search for missing student Luke Pearce from Hounslow.

About 20 university students have been out looking for the 19-year-old who disappeared nearly three days ago on Saturday (10) night after drinking with friends in Durham City.

Fears continue to grow for the safety of the former Hounslow pupil who studied at The Heathland School and police are appealing to a couple who were seen walking along the river bank and may have passed Mr Pearce.

The police search stays focused along the river banks in the city.

Luke is 6ft 2in tall with short ginger hair and was wearing a blue polo shirt, blue jeans and white trainers before he went missing.

Chief Inspector Andy Huddleston said: “We remain very concerned for Luke as this is completely out of character and there has been no trace of him since the early hours of Sunday morning.

“We are specifically appealing for a couple who were seen walking along the river bank from Baths Bridge towards the bandstand at around 1.30am on Sunday morning to get in touch, as it is likely that they would have passed Luke.

"We don’t believe this couple were in any way connected with Luke’s disappearance, but think they were the last people to see him on the night and could have crucial information about his whereabouts."

Mr Pearce was reported missing by a member of staff atDurham University after students raised concerns on the Sunday.

Professor Graham Towl, pro-vice-chancellor and deputy warden from Durham University, said: “We are very concerned for Luke’s safety.

"The students came to us and asked if there was anything they could do to help with the efforts to find him, and so we approached the officers leading the search to see how best they might be able to assist.

"Over 20 students will join officers today to help try and locate Luke, following a full safety briefing from the police.

"We would like to reiterate the appeal for anyone who might have information that could be useful to get in touch by calling Durham Constabulary on 101.”