THE distraught family of missing 18-year-old Russell Bohling say they are taking strength from online support.

Almost 2,500 people have joined a group on social networking website Facebook set up by Russell's brothers Nigel, 23, and Andrew, 21.

The group urges people to come forward with any information they may have the Bishop Burton student's disappearance.

Dad Roger, 57, said: "We are hugely moved by the number of people who have made comments on the Facebook page.

"It is something Nigel and Andrew did because you sit there getting very frustrated because you want to do something, but can't."

Humberside Police admit there are few new lines of inquiry.

Mr Bohling said: "We are meeting the police shortly to discuss where the investigation is going.

"At the moment, we are just waiting. It's a terrible situation to be in.

"It affects the whole family and we just want to know what has happened."

Police are still investigating claims Russell was spotted in Hull.

Detectives are following up the new lead amid concerns that someone else could be involved in his mysterious disappearance.

Detective Sergeant Allison Sweeting, of Humberside Police, said: "We are tracking down the person who claimed to have seen Russell.

"But, otherwise, we are no further forward with the case."

Russell, who has a speech and language disorder, vanished after leaving his West Ella home on Tuesday, March 2.

His blue Renault Clio car was found the following day at a car park at Bempton Cliffs, near Bridlington.

The initial search involved mounted police, underwater search units, the coastguard and a search and rescue helicopter.

Anyone with information on Russell's whereabouts should call Humberside Police on 0845 6060222.

Meanwhile, the inquest into the death of Bishop Burton College student Jonathan Havron was opened and adjourned yesterday in York.

Jonathan's body was found in the Foss Basin on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old went missing in the early hours of Saturday, February 27.

Mr Havron, of Huntington, was last seen at the Lowther Arms in Cumberland Street, York.

Inspector Mark Henderson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Although there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance, we are still trying to establish how Jonathan came to be in the river."

Police are not linking the two cases.