Girl, four, and her mother, 39, who haven't been seen since February are reported missing as police launch urgent search to find them

A four-year-old girl and her 39-year-old mother who haven't been seen since February have been reported missing as police begin an urgent search to find them.

Bedfordshire Police launched an urgent appeal to find Joanna and her child Aliannah who were last seen at their home in Luton.

Officers have asked the public to share their appeal and report any sightings of the pair 'immediately.' 

They are 'known to have links' to Handsworth in Birmingham and were last heard from earlier in March.

The force also advised the public 'not to speculate' and to instead help locate the pair by calling the police if spotted. 

A description of Joana and Aliannah was provided by the police, alongside two images of the mother and daughter.

The appeal, shared on Friday, read: 'Can you help us locate missing Joana, 39, and her daughter, four-year-old Aliannah? The pair were last seen at their home in Luton in February and were last heard from earlier last month.

'Joana is described as Black, of slim build and around 5ft 9' tall. She has dark shoulder length hair, often worn in a ponytail. Aliannah is also described as Black, slim, with black Afro style hair - often braided. They are known to have links to Handsworth, Birmingham.

'We would urge the public not to speculate. The best way to help locate Joana and Aliannah is to share this appeal and report any sightings immediately. 

'You can do this by calling 101 or reporting online quoting reference MPL/499/24.'