A candlelight vigil has been held for a missing 15-year-old girl who police say was snatched by her former high school teacher.

Tad Cummins is accused of luring Elizabeth Thomas into his car outside of a restaurant in Columbia, Tennessee and disappearing with the girl on 13 March, investigators said on Saturday.

Cummins, 50, is believed to be armed with two hand guns and has been placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's top 10 "most wanted" list on charges of aggravate kidnapping and having sexual contact with a minor.

Image: Friends and family of Elizabeth Thomas gathered in Columbia, Tennessee

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesman Josh DeVine said on Twitter: "We are up to a total of 185 leads, but still no credible sighting."

It is believed Cummins may have driven the girl from Tennessee to a rural area.


Image: A vigil for missing teen Elizabeth Thomas was held in Columbia, Tennessee

Elizabeth is white with hazel eyes, about 5ft 5ins and was last seen wearing a flannel shirt and black leggings.

Cummins is white, 6ft with brown hair and eyes.