A missing teenager had told his mother he was “struggling to cope” with his university studies and shielding for a chronic health condition, his mother has said.
Richard Okorogheye, 19, was last seen leaving his home in Ladbroke Grove, west London, at around 8.30pm on 22 March. He was reported missing by his family two days later.
Mr Okorogheye’s mother Evidence Joel has revealed he suffers from sickle cell disease and has been shielding since last March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Before his disappearance, he would only leave the house for regular hospital appointments.
“Richard has never done anything like this. Something has gone wrong,” Ms Joel told My London.
After he told her he was “struggling to cope”, his mother fears he could be suffering with depression following months spent locked in his room shielding.
He is studying IT at Oxford Brookes University and was finding remote learning difficult, she added.
Met Police say they are becoming “increasingly concerned” for Mr Okorogheye’s welfare.
Chief Inspector Clare McCarthy, of the Met’s central west command unit, 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 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.”
The teenager is known to frequent Hammersmith, Fulham and Westminster, she added.
Initially the family reported that the police ‘haven’t been helpful’ so it is great to see that Richard’s welfare is now being taken seriously.
Anyone with any information should call police on 101 quoting 21MIS008134. Information can also be given via the charity Missing People.
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