The family of a teenage girl who has been missing for over a week has shared an emotional plea for her return.

Julia Skala, 16, reportedly first left her home in Mitcham, south-west London, at around 1pm on January 8.

The girl reportedly has links to Camden and Islington, as well as Lambeth, and is likely to have travelled to the areas through public transport.

Following two appeals from the Metropolitan Police, her family shared out a message to Julia: “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.”

Ham & High: Julia SkalaJulia Skala (Image: Met Police)

When Julia left her home, she was wearing a black North Face jacket, black trousers and white Nike trainers. She was carrying a black Nike rucksack.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, who is in charge of policing for Merton, said: “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.”

Anyone who sees her within recent moments should call 999 immediately, quoting the reference 24MIS000879. If you have any non-urgent information which can help, call 101.