Family appeal for help to find missing boy

The family of a boy who has been missing for a week have have appealed for people to check dashcams, ring doorbells and CCTV for any footage of him.

James Gibbons, 16, was last seen in Cuxton, Medway, at about 12:50 GMT on Saturday, 9 November.

Kent Police said he was seen walking into an alleyway off Woodhurst Close, in the direction of Cuxton Woods.

In a statement, James's family urged him to " please come home", telling him "everyone is missing you".

He is described as 5ft 11ins (180cm) tall with brown hair, wears braces on his teeth and has a scar on the right side of the back of his head, described as being similar in shape to a question mark.

His family thanked everyone involved in the search, both professionals and volunteers.

"We cannot express how grateful we are to you all," they said.

James is believed to have been wearing brown tracksuit bottoms, a grey zipped hooded top, a white shirt with a light brown and blue chequered pattern, black socks and black trainers.

Kent Police’s Ch Insp for Medway, Garry Cook, said searches had focused on the nearby rural and wooded areas popular with dog walkers and horse riders.

He asked anyone who used the area to keep an eye out for anything that may help.

He added: "Regardless of the time that has passed, we are hopeful of reuniting James with his family and we have a large number of dedicated search officers and partner agencies committed to finding him."

James's family said in the appeal: "Please could we ask you all to check your dashcams, ring doorbells and CCTV for any footage of James.

"James, if you receive this message, please come home. Everyone is missing you and we love you dearly. You are not in any trouble. Love you lots."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.