A professional footballer has called for help tracing his 11-year-old son who failed to return home from school.

Gillingham FC captain Gabriel Zakuani said son Ajae Blackwood-Petrie was last seen on the way to the bus stop in Leatherhead, Surrey, on Wednesday.

Surrey Police were concerned over his disappearance, which officers described as “out of character”.

Ajae, from Epsom, was last spotted wearing his St Andrew’s School uniform at about 3.45pm.

Officers believe he may have remained in the local area, or could have travelled to the Isle of Dogs in east London by bus or train.

Detective Inspector Oana King said: “This is out of character for Ajae, and we are growing increasingly concerned for his safety.

“He normally comes home from school around 5pm, but yesterday, he did not return home.

“Ajae, if you are reading this, please make contact with us so we know that you are OK. You are not in any trouble, but we do want to hear from you.”

Ajae – described as black, with short hair and of slim build – was urged to speak to police or text Missing People charity on 116 000.

Writing on Twitter, Zakuani said: “My 11 year old boy is missing and hasn’t been seen since he left school yesterday on his way to the bus stop, anyone with any kind of information please contact Surrey Police or Met Police. Please share. Really appreciate it.”

The Congo-born defender played at Leyton Orient, Peterborough United and Stoke City before joining Gillingham in 2017.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.