Family fears missing teenager could be victim of child grooming gangs
FEARS are growing for the safety of a missing teenager whose family believe could be the victim of grooming gangs.
Police and family members fear Mya Recardo is vulnerable to exploitation
Mya Recardo has been missing for more than a week and police have issued an appeal for information on her whereabouts.
The 16-year-old was reported missing from Beckenham, south east London on Sunday 17 September and officers and family members say they are “very concerned she may be at risk of exploitation”.
Scotland Yard said the teenager might be trying to make her way to the Manchester, Yorkshire or Bedfordshire areas.
Mya Recardo went missing on Sunday September 17
It’s just as serious as a kidnapping because she will deliberately walk into the lion’s den
Her mother Rebecca Recardo said: “It’s just as serious as a kidnapping because she will deliberately walk into the lion’s den.
“She hasn’t left a trail because she isn’t in the frame of mind to realise how much danger she is in or to care.
“Please, please can someone, anyone, help me to find her, I just need one more chance to be her mum, I would do anything to make this happen.”
Family and friends have set up Facebook and Twitter accounts to publicise her disappearance and are holding a vigil in central London tonight.
Scotland Yard said Mya Recardo could be heading for Manchester, Yorkshire or Befrodshire
Mya is described as white, 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build, with long black hair.
She was last seen wearing a white long-sleeved top, grey trousers, black footwear and a blue jacket. She was carrying a black handbag.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Mya is believed to have left a mental health facility she was staying in with another female, who has since been found.
“The friend has informed officers that Mya expressed she may change her appearance so that she is not identified.
Police have issued an appeal for information on Mya Recardo's whereabouts
“Mya may now be wearing a white hijab in an attempt to alter her appearance. She also has a short black wig she may be using, a blue zip hooded top, a grey tracksuit, and a white jumper with lace down the side.”
The spokesman said Mya has epilepsy and there are also concerns for her mental health.
Anybody who has information on Mya’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 or Missing People on 116 000.