A 12-year-old boy has been located safe and well following a concerning overnight disappearance in East London, during which he faced sub-zero temperatures without a phone or coat.
Urgent Search Launched in Freezing Conditions
The alarm was raised after the child was last seen by a relative at just after 5pm yesterday on Khartoum Road in Newham. He was wearing his school uniform and had no mobile phone. After his family's initial searches and enquiries with his friends proved fruitless, the Metropolitan Police were formally notified at 8.38pm, triggering an urgent operation.
Detectives expressed significant concern due to the bitterly cold weather and the boy's vulnerable state. Temperatures in the area plummeted from around 5C (41F) at 5pm to -2C (28F) overnight.
Police Appeal to Public Over 'Out of Character' Disappearance
In a statement issued in the early hours, Detective Inspector Sam Lockstone emphasised the seriousness of the situation. He stated that the disappearance was "entirely out of character" and highlighted the danger, saying the boy was "potentially alone on the streets of east London in his school uniform with no phone or other means to seek help" on a very cold night.
The police made a public appeal, urging residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of the missing child.
Child Located Safe and Well
The extensive search concluded successfully this morning. Just before 11am today, detectives confirmed the positive news that the boy had been found safe and well. No further details about where he was located or the circumstances of his discovery were immediately released.
The incident underscores the critical importance of swift community and police action in cases involving missing children, especially during periods of extreme weather.
