An urgent search has been launched to find a girl, 13, who has not returned home since Thursday (February 9).

Mariama Kallon was reported missing from her home in Southwark as she attended her school in Bermondsey that day but did not return home. 

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 Friday, February 10 and this week is half term.

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There have been two sightings of her in the period since she was reported missing.

The first was on the morning of Friday, February 10, in the vicinity of Markham Street, Southwark and the second was on the afternoon of Monday, February 13 in Riddons Road, Lewisham.

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.

Police ask that anyone who sees Mariama 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

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.

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"Please call 999, speak to a police officer or ask someone you trust to contact us for you. It is really important.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Officers are appealing for the public’s help to find a 13-year-old girl who is missing from her home in Southwark.

"Mariama Kallon was reported missing on Thursday, 9 February.

"She attended school in Bermondsey on that day but did not return home.

"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 Friday, 10 February and this week is half term.

"There have been two sightings of her in the period since she was reported missing.

"The first was on the morning of Friday, 10 February in the vicinity of Markham Street, Southwark and the second was on the afternoon of Monday, 13 February in Riddons Road, Lewisham.

"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 10 February and a black top, pink trousers and a heavy scarf on 13 February.

"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."