The family of a 16-year-old girl missing from Mitcham has released a heartfelt plea for her to tell let them know she is safe.

Julia Skala left her home at around 1pm on Monday, January 8 and has not been seen or heard from since.

Her family has said that they miss her and she is not in trouble, they just want to know that she is alright.

Her family said: “Julia, you are loved and missed terribly.

“No matter what the reason was for you to leave, you aren’t in any kind of trouble and we just want to know you are safe.

“Please, just let someone know you are ok.”

At the time of her disappearance, Julia was wearing a black North Face jacket, black trousers and white Nike trainers.

She was also carrying a black Nike rucksack.

Julia was reported missing by her mother on the morning of Tuesday, January 9 and an investigation was immediately launched.

Police have said that they are using CCTV and doorbell footage to try and locate her as well as speaking to people who know her and those who live in the area.

Julia has never been away from home for this long and so, her family are “extremely worried”.

Police have said that while there is no evidence to suggest she has come to harm, they are becoming more and more concerned for her welfare.

She did not take her mobile phone and there has been no activity on her social media accounts, her friends have also not heard from her.

Police believe she left her home with no cash, travel or credit cards.

She has links to Lambeth, Camden and Islington.

Anyone with information should call police immediately on 999 quoting the reference 24MIS000879. Share non-urgent information by calling 101.

You can also contact the Missing Person's charity anonymously on 116 000.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of policing for Merton, said: “Since Julia was reported missing, our officers have been working around the clock to try and find her.

“We have gathered and examined hours of CCTV and doorbell footage, spoken to many people who know her and carried out enquiries with those who live in the area to establish whether they have any information that might help our investigation.

“Julia has never been away from home for this long and obviously her family are extremely worried.

“While there is no evidence to suggest she has come to harm, we are growing increasingly concerned about her welfare.

“She did not take her mobile phone with her and there has been no activity on social media or known contact with her friends.

“We also do not believe she had a credit or travel card, or any cash when she left the house.”