The family of 16-year-old James Gibbons, who has been missing for a week, has issued an emotional plea for his safe return, telling him, “You’re not in any trouble.”

James was last seen on Saturday, November 9, heading toward woodlands in Cuxton, near Rochester. Despite extensive searches by Kent Police, Kent Search and Rescue, and the local community, he remains unaccounted for.

Family’s Heartfelt Appeal

In a statement, James’s family thanked those assisting in the search and urged anyone with information or footage to come forward.

“Thank you to all of the individuals involved in the search, including the public, professionals, and volunteers. We cannot express how grateful we are to you all,” the family said.
“James, if you receive this message, please come home. Everyone is missing you, and we love you dearly. You are not in any trouble. Love you lots.”

They also urged residents to check dashcams, doorbell cameras, and CCTV for any sightings of James, as well as to inspect outbuildings and sheds where he may have sought shelter.

Description of James

James is described as 5ft 11ins tall, with brown hair and braces on his teeth. He has a distinctive scar on the right side of the back of his head, shaped like a question mark.

At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing:

• Brown tracksuit bottoms
• A grey zipped hooded top
• A white shirt with a light brown/blue chequered pattern
• Black socks
• Black material trainers

Search Efforts Intensify

Police have focused their search on Cuxton’s rural and wooded areas, popular with dog walkers and horse riders. Detective Chief Inspector Garry Cook said:

“Today marks one week since James was reported missing, and sadly, despite an extensive search, we have so far been unable to find him. Regardless of the time that has passed, we remain hopeful of reuniting James with his family.”

Community Support

The Medway village has rallied around the Gibbons family, with search parties, donation banks, and posters placed throughout the area. A Facebook group, ‘Help Find James Gibbons,’ has drawn thousands of members offering support and ideas.

Local businesses, including the Cuxton Social Club and nearby shops, have provided resources and aid to search teams.

Additional Information

Police recently identified new CCTV footage showing James walking into an alleyway off Woodhurst Close at 12:52 p.m. on the day he went missing, heading toward Cuxton Woods.

How to Help

Anyone with information about James’s whereabouts is urged to contact Kent Police immediately by calling 999, quoting reference 09-1043.

Police and the family are urging the public to stay vigilant and come forward with any potential leads to bring James home safely.