A YOUNG soldier from Croydon missing for almost six weeks has been spotted in London.
Police have renewed their appeal to find Steven Mubanga, a trainee soldier with the British Army from Kilmartin Avenue, Norbury, after two reported sightings of him in Westminster and Lewisham on Tuesday (February 17).
But police have yet to speak to the 20-year-old and are urging him or anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in touch.
Steven was last seen on January 11 when he left home to go to his Yorkshire barracks after being on leave, but police believe he never got his train.
Karen Guirhil, Steven's aunt, has been appealing for him to come home.
He previously said: "Steven's got such a good future ahead of him and this is just completely out of character for him. He's such a fun-loving, caring, committed and responsible person.
"Even when he's away and misses a call from me, he'll send me a text or message on Facebook to say sorry and that he'll call back soon. I'm just really worried that we've not heard any news from him at all and just want to know that he's safe.
"Steven, if you're reading this and you think that you're in any kind of trouble, then whatever it might be, I know that we can work it out together. I'm so proud of you and your cousin is missing you like crazy as well.
"We just want to know that you're ok so please, please get in touch."
Detective Chief Inspector Sian Thomas, is leading the investigation, said she is "fairly sure" the sighting of Steven are genuine but is keen to speak to him to maker sure he is safe and well.
She said: "It's still unclear why Steven has gone missing, but I'd like to reassure him that whatever the reason, there will be support available for him and that his family are desperate to hear that he is ok."
Steven is a tall, black man with short, black hair. Steven wears black, square-rimmed glasses and often wears a baseball cap. He has links to Croydon, Norbury, Camberwell and Streatham.
Anyone with information on Steven's whereabouts should contact police on 101, or call the Missing People charity on 116 000.
