Police and family are “extremely concerned” for a British Olympian’s missing 13-year-old cousin.
High jumper Morgan Lake appealed to supporters on Christmas Eve, saying her relative, Lyla-Jane Lake, was last seen in Basingstoke on Wednesday 21 December.
“Police are involved but if anyone has any information please contact me,” the athlete wrote on Twitter.
Speaking to Sky News, Lyla-Jane’s father, Nathan Lake, described her as a “beautiful, intelligent girl”.
“Lyla is always either at home or out with her family, besides a few hours with friends during the weekend, and she always keeps us updated on when she changes location,” he said.
“She hasn’t had a sleepover at a friend’s house in 18 months, and she never goes out after 8pm without her parents.”
He added that the family has been left “distraught” by her disappearance, saying: “We just want Lyla back home.
“We love her and miss her so much. Our extended family is so huge and yet none of us have had to experience a feeling like this before.”
Officers have said Lyla-Jane was last spotted at about 10pm on Wednesday in Simmons Walk, Basingstoke, wearing a black puffer jacket and grey jogging bottoms.
She was also carrying a Sports Direct bag for life.
The teenager is mixed race, around 5ft 6in (1.68 m) tall and of a medium build, with long brown hair and brown eyes.
She is still believed to be in the Basingstoke area.
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Mr Lake added: “Someone must know something. If anyone has seen Lyla, or has any information, then please come forward. Even the smallest things can be useful.
“If Lyla is with you, please let us know, You will not be in trouble.”
In a statement, Hampshire Constabulary said: “Both we and her family are extremely concerned for her welfare, and we are now turning to the public for your help.”
As inquiries are conducted by officers, police have asked members of the public with any information to call 999 and quote 44220512908.
