POLICE HAVE appealed for help to find a teenaged boy who went missing six days ago.

Richard Okorogheye was last seen near Ladbroke Grove at around 8:30pm on March 22.

The Oxford Brookes University student told his mother that he was going to visit a friend, but never returned.

He didn’t have his wallet containing a travel pass or bank card and his mobile is switched off.

Friends and family have not seen the 19-year-old student since he was reported missing on March. 24

Richard is reported to have been “struggling to cope” after spending the last year shielding at home because of his sickle cell condition, which put him at high risk during the pandemic.

He usually only left the house to attend hospital appointments and for regular blood transfusions. 

Speaking to mylondon.com, his mother Evidence Joel has said that Richard had recently been “struggling to cope” and she feared that he may be suffering from depression after spending so much time indoors.

Richard was working towards a Business Studies and IT degree at Oxford Brookes University online at the time of his disappearance.

The missing person case had garnered huge attention on social media as Richard’s loved ones have tried to raise awareness.

Singer Dua Lipa, photographer Misan Harriman and author Bonnie Greer have have all shared the appeal to help find the missing teenager online.

According to social media, Richard was last seen wearing a black top with black tracksuit bottoms, black trainers and carrying a small Adidas bag. When wearing platforms, he is described as being 6ft and of a slim build.

He is known to visit both the Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham areas of the capital.

Ms Joel expressed concerns that police are not doing enough to find her son who is seen as “low risk, but he is a young adult with a health condition.”

Last night, Metropolitan police issued an appeal that said that “officers are becoming increasingly concerned.”

Chief Inspector Clare McCarthy said: “Our officers have been working tirelessly to locate Richard, using all investigative opportunities and data enquiries, speaking with witnesses and trawling CCTV.

“We are following every lead possible and are appealing for the public to help us in our work. If you may have seen Richard, please contact the police.

“If Richard is safe and well, we ask him to contact us as a matter of urgency so that we can put his family’s minds at ease.”

If you have any information, you can call the police on 101 and quote 21MIS008134 or in an emergency, call 999. Information may also be given to the charity Missing People.