POLICE say the search for a missing Powys teenager has been handed over to another UK police force after sightings of him were reported in the Manchester area.

Dyfed Powys Police launched an appeal to find a 16-year-old male from Rhayader, who they named only as “Harley”, on Sunday, October 17. The force said he was last seen in Newtown on the afternoon of Friday, October 15.

Dyfed Powys Police Chief Inspector Jacqui Lovatt said the investigation had now been handed over to Greater Manchester Police after evidence had been produced placing him in the Greater Manchester area.

The original appeal revealed Harley to have links with North Wales, and it had asked for anyone with information to contact police.

A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said: “Harley, who is 16, who resides in Rhayader, but was last seen at around 2.30pm in Newtown on Friday.

“He was last seen wearing black tracksuit bottoms, grey jacket and black Nike shoes. He is described as being of medium build, 5ft 10 ins, with short brown hair.

“Harley has links with North Wales.”