THE search for two missing 13-year-old Czechoslovakian girls was stepped up by detectives today as they spent their seventh day away from home.

Fears continued to grow for the safety of Linda Tulejova, of Firs Lane, Leigh and her cousin Theresa Tulejova, of West Street, Higher Ince, Wigan.

The girls, who both only speak a little English, were last seen a week ago in Firs Lane.

Both their families have only lived in the area for three months.

Their concerned parents, believed to be asylum seekers, were said to be "extremely distraught" last night. Police today confirmed there had been no reported sightings of both the girls as the search for them continued.

Chief Inspector Ian Palmer from Leigh CID today said: "Both Linda and Theresa have been in the country for a relatively short time and English is not their first language. We are growing increasingly for their safety. They are particularly vulnerable because of their age and the fact that they are not familiar with the area."

"There has been an unconfirmed sighting of them in Scotland where it's possible that the girls could be heading for a fruit picking area in the Highlands, although we are not ruling out the chance that they are still in the Manchester area and are asking everyone to remain vigilant, and if they see the girls we would urge them to contact Leigh Police immediately."

Neighbours in Firs Lane, Leigh, spoke of their shock at hearing of their disappearance last night.

One neighbour added: "We have seen both the girls around but were shocked to hear of their disappearance. The family seem to be very quiet and keep themselves to themselves."

Trained interpreters have been brought in to help both families piece together their final movements.

Anyone with information should call Leigh Police on 0161 856 7229.