Fears were growing today for a backpacker from London who has gone missing near Australian bushland.

Jamie Neale, 19, has not been seen since he walked out of a Katoomba youth hostel in the Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales last Friday morning. He was due to attend a tour of the nearby Jenolan Caves the next day but did not show up.

His family said it was it was extremely out of character for him not to keep in regular contact. It is thought his parents have travelled to Australia to help with the search. Jamie arrived in Australia on 20 June for a holiday.

A police spokesman said: "We have found indications that he might have been planning a bush walk." All signs indicated he had gone into the bush, an hour west of Sydney, and could not find his way out. "It's freezing up there at this time of year," he added.

Jamie was described as having a pale complexion, short dark hair, brown eyes and a beard. He was wearing a black jersey with white sleeves, white T-shirt, blue jeans, black joggers, and carrying a burgundy day-pack.

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