Police are urging a teenager missing for two days to let people know he is safe.

Russel Burrdett-Deakin disappeared from his home near Sutton Road, Maidstone, at around 6.30pm on Wednesday (September 6).

Police are continuing to make extensive searches to safely locate the 17-year-old and have appealed to him directly to assure him he is “not in any trouble”.

Chief Inspector Mark McLellan said: “We want Russel to know that while he may be feeling worried or scared, we’re here to help him.

“He is not in any trouble at all, and we just want to make sure he is safe.

“If Russel reads this, I urge him to please either call 999, or contact a friend or relative.

“We have officers who are available to speak at any time, or if he would prefer he can also visit us at a police station.

“We also want to reassure Russel that there are lots of other people who care about his welfare and who can help, such as volunteers at the Missing People charity.

“They are available every day, between 9am and 11pm by calling 116 000.”

Russel is slim, with dark hair with blue colourings and was last seen wearing red or maroon bottoms, along with a red Champion hooded top. Russel was also carrying a black Under Armor rucksack.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 999, quoting reference 06-1384.