A huge search operation for a missing teenager has now entered its seventh day.

James Gibbons was last seen a week ago in Cuxton, near Rochester, heading towards woodlands.

Now, a week since the 16-year-old boy’s last known sighting, police are once again urging people in the village and the surrounding area to “remain vigilant” and report any potential sightings.

Outbuildings in the area where the missing teenager was last picked up on CCTV footage are among the current areas of focus.

His family have issued a heartfelt plea for the “dearly loved” teenager” to come home, telling him he is “not in any trouble”.

Speaking at a press conference, Detective Chief Inspector Garry Cook said: “Today marks one week since James Gibbons was reported missing from Cuxton on Saturday, November 9.

“We have carried out a huge search operation and a wider investigation to find James using specialist expertise from partner agencies and we are continuing that search.

“We are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings and I would urge everyone in the local area to check their CCTV, any dashcam footage and any outbuildings in the search for James.

“We will do all in our power to find James and bring him home safely to his family. James’ family is desperate to hear from him.

“Anyone who sees anything that may be relevant to the inquiry, please, do not hesitate to contact us.”

Dozens of members of the public were set to meet today (November 16) to look for the youngster - but the search is said to have been postponed “for public safety” due to an active pheasant shoot in the area.

This week, the Medway village has been filled with police officers and specialists tirelessly working to find the teen who was last seen at around 1pm last Saturday (November 9).

He is known 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 material trainers.

The teenager is described as being around 5ft 11ins tall with brown hair.

He also wears braces on his teeth and has a scar on the right-hand side of the back of his head, that is described as being similar in shape to a question mark.

Thousands of people have joined the ‘Help Find James Gibbons’ Facebook group to offer their support, help, or ideas in the investigation.

Large banners have also been erected near busy roads and posters plastered around the surrounding villages.

Speaking to KentOnline earlier this week, shopkeeper Mel, who works at Best One in Cuxton, said everyone has been worried sick and wants him to be found as soon as possible.

“I cannot imagine what his parents are going through,” she said. “I have a son a similar age and it would be my worst nightmare.

“The whole village has been looking or helping in some way. We are all keeping our fingers crossed.

“On Sunday, I saw a lot of people searching and officers in the woods and ever since they have been here all week.

“We are all doing what we can but sometimes you feel helpless.”

Further up the road at the Co-Op shop, opposite the social club where police and search crews are set up, the store has set up a donation bank for people to buy things for the Gibbons family.

Kent Search and Rescue have also been called in to assist.

In the past few days alone, technicians, management teams and members from their dog unit have volunteered more than 500 hours of their time and trekked through a combined 258km, an area covering around 530 football pitches.

A spokesman said: “The team’s continued work would not have been possible if it were not for the support and donations from the local community in Cuxton.

“Also a huge thank you to Sallie Abrahamson and Jill Sayer from Cuxton Social Club and Golden River Chinese Takeaway.”

Police were establish an additional sighting of James on the day of his disappearance.

After revising additional CCTV footage, officers now know James walked into an alleyway off Woodhurst Close at 12.52pm and then continued in the direction of Cuxton Woods.

Anyone with information should call 999, quoting reference 09-1043.