Desperate search launched for missing schoolgirl, 13, cousin of Team GB Olympian who disappeared five days ago
A DESPERATE search has been launched for a missing schoolgirl after she disappeared from her home.
Lyla-Jane Lake, 13, whose cousin is Team GB Olympian Morgan Lake, vanished without trace five days ago.
Lyla's family have grown increasingly worried after the young girl went missing from her home last Wednesday and missed the Christmas celebrations.
A large-scale search has been launched in her home town of Basingstoke, Hampshire, but has failed to find any trace of her.
Heptathlon star Morgan has urged people to contact her with any information.
She said: "My 13-year-old cousin Lyla-Jane Lake has been missing for at least three nights now.
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"Last seen in Basingstoke at around 9pm on Wednesday night. Police are involved but if anyone has any information please contact me."
MISSING GIRL
The missing girl is described as mixed race and medium build, with brown hair and eyes.
She was last seen wearing a black Puffa jacket, grey jogging bottoms and carrying a Sports Direct bag.
Her father Nathan Lake told : "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."
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He added that his daughter is a "beautiful, intelligent girl" and that the family have been left "distraught" by her disappearance.
A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "Lyla was last seen on Wednesday evening in Simmons Walk, Basingstoke at around 10pm.
"Since she was reported missing, officers have been conducting several inquiries to find her. Both we and her family are extremely concerned for her welfare and we are now turning to the public for your help.
"She is believed to still be in the Basingstoke area."
He also urged anyone who sees Lyla to call 999 immediately to report it.