Met Police launch urgent hunt for missing 13-year-old girl who vanished after leaving school eight days ago
- Mariama Kallon, from Southwark, London, was reported missing on February 9
- Police have said the duration of her disappearance is ‘a cause for concern’
Police are appealing for help to find a 13-year-old girl who has been missing for more than a week.
Mariama Kallon, from Southwark in South London, was reported missing on Thursday February 9.
She attended school in Bermondsey on that day but did not return home.
Detectives say there have been two sightings of her over the period she has been missing.
She was first spotted on the morning of Friday February 10 in the area of Markham Street, Southwark and then on the afternoon of Monday February 13 in Riddons Road, Lewisham.
Police have issued an image of Mariama Kallon who has been missing for more than a week
It is not the first time that Mariama has gone missing.
Previously she has stayed away from home overnight and has gone to school the next day as normal, however her school was not open on February 10 and this week is half term.
Detective Sergeant Dick Nation, from the Central South Missing Persons Unit, said: ‘We believe Mariama is avoiding going home and as a result of her school being closed, has been out of contact for much longer than normal.
‘There is no evidence that she has come to harm or is at any imminent risk of harm, but the duration of her disappearance is a cause for concern.
‘She is 13 and we do not know where she is staying or who she is staying with. We do not know if she is in the company of any responsible adults.
‘If you have seen Mariama or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact us.’
He added: ‘I would also like to send a message to Mariama if she is reading this.
‘We know there are many reasons why a child may avoid going home. You are not in any trouble but we need to make sure you are safe.
‘We are here to talk to you and to help you with whatever problems you may be having.
She was spotted in the afternoon of Monday February 13 in Riddons Road, Lewisham (stock image)
On one of the occasions she was seen she was wearing a pink top and a heavy scarf
‘Please call 999, speak to a police officer or ask someone you trust to contact us for you. It is really important.’
Officers have issued a photo of Mariama.
On the two occasions that she was seen since being reported missing she was wearing different clothing – a black top and blue trousers on February 10 and a black top, pink trousers and a heavy scarf on February 13.
Anyone who sees Mariama should call 999 immediately.
Anyone with other information about her whereabouts should call 101, giving the reference 5645/13FEB.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org