NATASHA Coombs' former boyfriend has spoken out for the first time about the teenager's disappearance.Josh Brennan, 18, of Parrington Way, Lawford, was interviewed by police in the days after Natasha, 17, was last seen.

NATASHA Coombs' former boyfriend was today due to speak out for the first time about the teenager's disappearance.

Josh Brennan, 18, of Parrington Way, Lawford, was interviewed by police in the days after Natasha, 17, was last seen.

Today at 11am he was due to address journalists from newspapers, television and radio in the hope of jogging the memory of anyone who may be able to help in the search.

Residents of Manningtree and the surrounding villages have gone all-out in their attempts to draw attention to the plight of the missing youngster.

Signs with her picture and the words “come home Natasha” have been put up along the main road leading to and from the station through Brantham into Ipswich.

And her face is on posters and fliers in the windows of just about every pub and shop in the area as well as cars parked outside homes.

Natasha was on her way back from a meal with friends at The Golden Dragon restaurant in Cardinal Park, Ipswich before catching a train to Manningtree at 10.42pm with the intention of carrying on to her home in Dovercourt.

Her mobile phone was switched off in the Manningtree area at about 11.19pm and has not been switched on again since.

Police carried out searches in fields between the station and Mr Brennan's home, which are less than a mile apart, following the disappearance.

The couple met while they were both pupils at East Bergholt High School, where Josh was in the year above Natasha.

Natasha previously lived in Brantham and was a keen member of the village's amateur dramatics club.

The pair are reported to have had an on-off relationship for about a year, which ended shortly before the disappearance on Friday, July 27.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clacton police station on 01255 221312.

Do you know Natasha Coombs? Do you want to send her family a message of support? Click on to the Come Back Natasha site at www.eveningstar.co.uk/natasha or write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.