The parents of a 23-year-old British woman missing in Guatemala for five days say they have “great concern for her safety” and have urged her to get in touch.

Catherine Shaw was reported missing on 5 March. The Oxfordshire woman had been staying with a friend in San Pedro on Lake Atitlan, 75km west of the capital Guatemala City, and was last seen on 4 March.

Her belongings were left behind, said the Lucie Blackman Trust charity, which is supporting Shaw’s family.

In a statement released through the trust her parents said they have been “desperately worried” since her disappearance.

“She has always been really good about keeping in touch and informing us of her whereabouts and activities,” her parents said. “So this is unusual behaviour which gives us great concern for her safety. Please help us to find her.”

Shaw has been travelling since September last year and previously visited Mexico and California.

A UK Foreign Office spokeswoman confirmed it is supporting the family of a British woman and is “in contact with the local authorities as they search for her”.

In a video released by the trust, Shaw’s mother urged her to get in touch.

“Hello Catherine, we’ve been out of touch for five days and we, your family, your friends, we really need to know you’re happy and that you’re well,” she said.

Her father added: “Your friends, your family are all really worried about you. Please come home sweetheart.”

Video appeal from the parents of Catherine Shaw, #missing in #SanPedro #Guatemala. Please RT especially if you are in the area. pic.twitter.com/fMMVnFjjLb — Lucie Blackman Trust (@MissingAbroad) March 9, 2019

Shaw was described as being 170cm (5ft 7in) tall and of slim build, with blonde hair, blue eyes and piercings in her nose, lip and ears.

The Lucie Blackman Trust chief executive, Matthew Searle, said the “first few days are vitally important” because those who may have seen something could still be in the area.

“We urge anyone who may have any information, no matter how small, to get in touch as soon as they can. They could hold the key to bringing Catherine home,” he said.

The trust said members of her family are travelling to Guatemala to join the search this weekend.

Anyone with any information should call the Lucie Blackman Trust on +44 (0) 1983 718802, go on lbtrust.org or, if they are in Guatemala, contact local police.

Press Association and Agence France-Presse contributed to this report