Anxious friends and family of missing Cambs teenager Theo hold candlelit vigil as search continues

MORE than 100 anxious friends and family of missing teenager Theo Kawalla last night held a candlelit vigil in Peterborough a week after he disappeared.

The 16-year-old was dropped off by his father in the city centre last Friday at around 7.30pm to spend the evening with friends.

While friends gathered at the Guildhall last night and prayed Theo would be found safe and well a police dive team continued to search the River Nene for the popular Jack Hunt School pupil.

Police were also out in the city centre last night speaking to people, handing out leaflets and sending messages to mobile phones via bluetooth as the search to find the teenager continues.

Any bluetooth-enabled device with 75ft of the police’s phone received an appeal for information, photographs and last known CCTV images of Theo.

Anyone with information regarding his disappearance should contact Cambs Police on 0345 456 456 4.

BACKGROUND

Insp Mat Newman said of last night’s inquiries: “Our aim is to reach those people in the city centre who may have also been out last Friday and may have some important information for this inquiry.

“We know from CCTV that Theo walked along Broadway, Westgate, and along Bourges Boulevard, before crossing over near the old Woolworths building and walking along Lower Bridge Street, past Multi York. We also know that he walked past several groups of people during this time and we would like these people to get in touch.”

Theo was reported missing on Sunday (February 20) morning by his father who had last seen him at 7.30pm on Friday when he dropped him off in the city centre to spend the evening with friends.

Theo is white, slim, 6’1” with dark brown short hair. He was wearing blue jeans, a black shiny jacket, red and white check shirt and black trainers.

His family are mystified and distraught by his disappearance and Cambs Police today issued a statement on behalf of Theo’s family: his mother, father and two sisters.

“First of all, we wish to thank everyone who has shown support since Theo has gone missing,” said the statement.

“We are devastated, anxious and very concerned about Theo’s disappearance and we just want to see him back home.

“Theo, you are a lovable, funny, smart, lovely boy and we are desperate to see you back home. If you see this message, whatever happened on Friday night, please contact us.

“We would also ask anyone who might be with Theo to encourage him to contact us or the police.”

Searches around Peterborough have continued with the assistance of Cambridgshire Search and Rescue (CamSAR).

Insp Richard Isley said: “This is completely out of character for Theo and his family are very worried about him.

“At this stage there is nothing to suggest that Theo has been the victim of a crime but we are extremely keen to trace him as soon as possible.

“I would like to hear from anyone who has seen Theo since Friday or may have information about his whereabouts. I would also appeal to Theo directly that he is not in any trouble and should contact his family or the police as soon as possible.”

Police have released CCTV images of Theo in Peterborough on Friday night while he was in the city centre.