Police are appealing for information about the whereabouts of two missing schoolgirls.

Kalamvuila Mpoyo, known as Janet, who lives in Battersea Rise and her friend Tuluenga Lusadisu, from Mitcham, both 14, were spotted leaving the grounds of Rowan High School for Girls at 8.20am on Thursday, December 6.

Kalamvuila first went missing on October 7 and has not returned home to her uncle, Mawete Kisolokele, with whom she had been living, although she has been in touch several times.

PC Jim Sheehan, of Wandsworth Community Safety Unit, said both girls spoke with strong French accents.

He said: "Kalamvuila has gone missing before, but it has never been for this length of time and we are concerned they are being harboured within south-west London's Afro-Caribbean community.

Kalamvuila's uncle has some real concerns for her safety and wants her to return home."

Kalamvuila, who is from Zaire, is black with collar-length, black and straightened hair. She is 5ft 5in and of medium build.

Tuluenga, also from Zaire, is black with close cropped, black hair. She is 5ft 2in and slim.

When last seen she was wearing black trousers, dark blue Nike trainers, a white shirt, blue hat and a black medium-length jacket. She was also carrying a red Manchester United drawstring bag.

PC Margaret Brownlie, of Wimbledon Police, said: "The police and Tuluenga's family are growing increasingly worried for her welfare and would like her to return home for Christmas.

"She has to take daily medication and we are concerned she may not have access to this."

Anyone with information about Kalamvuila should contact PC Jim Sheehan on 020 8247 5412 or call PC Brownlie on 020 8649 4004 with news about Tuluenga.

Alternatively, information on either girl can be given to the Missing Persons Helpline on 0500 700 700.

December 28, 2001 09:30