THE family of a Southampton teenager missing for over a week has issued a heartfelt plea for him to come home this Christmas.

Aaron Christopher Harvey-Ellis was last seen in the city at around 4.30pm on Wednesday, December 17.

Officers this week issued an urgent appeal for information on the 15-year-old's whereabouts.

Today his step mother Dawn Harvey has told the Daily Echo how his family are concerned for his safety.

She said she last saw him at the Northam home he shares with Dawn and his dad Michael.

Mrs Havey said Aaron fled from his bedroom window after not being allowed out.

She said: “The previous night he didn't come home until about 12.15am. He went to his room and out of the window. That was eight days ago now.”

Mrs Harvey said she knows Aaron has been in touch with friends during the past eight days.

She added: “We don't know where he is or where he is staying.“The social services are involved and trying to look for him, and his mates are trying to get him into town, but he knows as soon as he hits town that's it.

“Before he has only been away for two days before coming home.

“It's a very worrying time and no one is really coping - everyone is upset and worried.

“I am worried for his safety because we don't know who he is hanging around with. I want them to be found as well.

“Come home - it's Christmas and you need to come home from wherever you are.

“Family members are out looking for him, and we are doing all we can.”

Aaron is described as white, around 6ft tall, of slim build and with short dark hair.

He was last seen wearing black skinny jeans, a black pvc jacket and a brown/black beanie hat.

Officers have been trying to trace his movements around Southampton and believe he may be trying to travel to either London or Birmingham.

Anyone with information should call Hampshire police on 101.