A POLICE dive team has begun searching the River Nene as part of the search for missing teenager Theo Kawala.

The divers will initially concentrate their search in the Rivergate and Railworld areas in the city centre.

Meanwhile, officers continue to make inquiries into Theo’s movements last Friday night, going into Saturday morning.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0345 456 456 4.

EARLIER TODAY

POLICE will be out in the city centre tonight (February 25) a week on from the disappearance of 16-year-old Theo Kawala.

Officers hope to jog the memories of people who are out this evening by distibuting leaflets and making inquiries.

Bluetooth messages will be sent to mobile phones appealing for information about Theo, who was last seen walking past Multi York in Lower Bridge Street on CCTV footage.

The technology allows messages, with a picture attached, to be sent to hundreds of mobile phones within a 75 ft radius of the device being used.

Officers will be visiting venues, handing out leaflets with the help of door staff, and talking to people on nights out.

There will also be police present at locations between the city centre and Theo’s home, speaking to members of the public who may have seen him last Friday.

Inspector Mat Newman said: “Our aim tonight 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.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0345 456 456 4.

BACKGROUND

Theo Kawala, who lives in Peterborough, has not been seen since late on Friday evening.

He was reported missing 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.

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.

Family members from France, friends, relatives, colleagues, various organisations, such as Cambridgeshire police, Jack Hunt School, where Theo was a pupil, Posh, the Salvation Army and “everyone who has been praying, the local press and media and everyone on the social networks and various websites” were thanked in the statement.

“We are devastated, anxious and very concerned about Theo’s disappearance and we just want to see him back home. If anybody has any information on Theo’s whereabouts after midnight on Friday February 18, please contact police on 0345 456 456 4.

“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.”

Theo was last seen on CCTV on Bridge Street, Peterborough, outside the old Woolworths building on his own at around midnight heading towards the Town Bridge.

He 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.

Searches have taken place in and around the city centre area and will continue today with the assistance of CamSAR (Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue).

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.”

Anyone with information should contact Insp Isley at Thorpe Wood Police Station on 0345 456 456 4.

Police have released a CCTV image of Theo Kawala which was taken on Friday during a night out in the city centre.