THE parents of a missing teenager have launched a desperate appeal for her to contact them.

Fourteen-year-old Ruka David of Bentley Street, Gravesend, went missing from her home on Sunday, July 31 at 6pm.

She was later seen carrying a bag in Dartford at around 6.30pm and police believe she may still be in the area.

Ruka, who was last seen wearing a white blouse and black trousers, is 5ft 5ins tall, of Nigerian nationality, with brown eyes and black short copped hair.

Her family said she often wears a head-scarf.

Sgt Rod Chapman of North Kent Police said: "We would urge Ruka to either make contact with her family or the police to confirm she is safe and well.

"Ruka’s family would like her to know she is not in any trouble and that by contacting them or the police just to confirm she is safe would be beneficial to everyone."

Anyone who may have seen the teenager is asked to contact Sgt Rod Chapman on 01474 565095.