Desperate mum begs teen to ‘come home’ after car abandoned in Canterbury nature reserve
Dozens of volunteers have been scouring remote woodland in Kent in the hunt for a missing teenager.
Jason Stevens, 19, was last seen at around 5pm on Friday, police said announcing their growing concern for his welfare.
He was last caught on camera buying supplies from a Sainsbury’s Local in Loose Road, Maidstone.
Police believe Jason may be near the Blean Woods Nature Reserve in Canterbury after his car was found abandoned in Rough Common car park,
His desperate mother, Helen Stephens, told Metro: ‘I want him to know he is loved.
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‘And we just want him home.’
His sister Katie, sharing an appeal on Facebook, added: ‘My brother has been missing since Friday 13, his car was found abandoned at Blean nature reserve car park.
‘Blean Woods is a massive area so search and rescue have been helping.
‘I just want my brother home safe.’
Dozens of volunteers, dog teams and drones were deployed to scour 150 miles of tracks and 500 acres of dense woodland looking for Jason.
So far they haven’t found a trace with the search hampered by heavy rain and whipping winds.
His father Scott posted his gratitude on Facebook, adding: ‘I just want to personally thank all of you for looking for my son.
‘You are all amazing kind people who volunteer your time when you could be at home with your family.’
The Blean has herds of bison and features nature trails and lakes popular with dog walkers and families.
A Kent Police spokesperson urged dog walkers, horse riders and other visitors to the reserve to look out for Jason.
They added: ‘We are continuing to search for Jason Stevens, 18, who was last seen at around 5pm on Friday 13 February 2026.
‘He may be near the Blean Woods Nature Reserve at Canterbury.
‘Officers have since recovered CCTV which shows Jason at 1.48pm on Friday 13 February in Sainsburys, Loose Road, in Maidstone.’
Jason is described as 5ft 10in, of slim build and with dark brown hair swept to one side.
He is believed to be wearing a long black coat, dark-coloured trousers, a black rucksack and grey/white trainers.