A teenage girl who went missing for more than a week after failing to return home from school as they closed for half term, has been found.
Mariama Kallon was reported missing on Thursday, February 9 after she attended her senior school in Bermondsey, London, but didn't make it home to Southwark.
Police said this was not the first time she has gone missing, and previously she has stayed away from home overnight and has gone to school the next day as normal.
Detectives are now appealing directly to Mariama to get in touch adding: "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".
Officers say the girl has previously stayed away from home overnight and has gone to school the next day as normal, but her school was not open on Friday, 10 February and this week is half term.
There have been four sightings since she was reported missing - the first on the morning of Friday, 10 February in the vicinity of Markham Street, Southwark.
The second was on the afternoon of Monday, 13 February in Riddons Road, Lewisham.
The third and fourth sightings were also in Riddons Road, Lewisham, one at around 8.30am and the other at around noon on Tuesday, 14 February.
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.
“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. Please call 999, speak to a police officer or ask someone you trust to contact us for you. It is really important”
Anyone who sees Mariama should call 999 immediately.
Anyone with other information about her whereabouts should call 101.
After the publication of this story Mariama was found on February 20, 2023.
