The Metropolitan Police have announced that Julia Skala, a 16-year-old girl who had been missing for over a week, has been located safe and well by police officers. Julia was reported missing on the morning of January 9, 2024, after leaving her home in Mitcham, south-west London, around 1pm on January 8.
An extensive investigation was launched, and officers conducted thorough inquiries to locate the missing teenager. These efforts included the recovery of CCTV footage from the area to aid in the search.
Julia’s disappearance had raised concerns, particularly given the extremely cold weather conditions and her limited resources during her time missing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, who oversees policing for Merton, expressed relief at Julia’s safe recovery. She stated, “For 11 days, we have worked around the clock to locate Julia. As time passed, our concern for her welfare grew, particularly in light of the extreme cold and her lack of resources. I am pleased to be able to report that she is safe and well and will be reunited with her family. This is the outcome that we were all hoping for.”
The Metropolitan Police have not released further details regarding Julia Skala’s disappearance and subsequent discovery. The focus now is on her well-being and her reunion with her family after this 11-day ordeal.
