A “distressed” Ukrainian child was spotted alone on the streets of North Yorkshire, prompting police to issue a frantic appeal to locate his parents.
The ‘missing’ youngster, believed to be eight years old, was discovered last night at 6:40 p.m. in Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees, riding a scooter by himself.
He appeared to be Ukrainian and spoke with minimal English, a witness told police yesterday.
The young boy’s safety and well-being are now the top priorities for Cleveland Police.
He was last seen going quickly towards a nearby estate.
Following the concerning public reports, police have asked the public to check to see if he has been reunited with his family.
‘Just before 6.40pm yesterday (Sunday), a member of the public contacted police with concerns for a young youngster she’d spotted out alone on his scooter near Nursery Gardens in Yarm,’ Cleveland Police said in a statement.
The child appeared to be Ukrainian but spoke very little English.
He ran into the adjoining estate and vanished from view as the caller was telling police that she thought the child was missing and in distress.
Officers started looking for the boy right once to determine his identity, whereabouts, and welfare.
“Police have not yet received any reports of a missing youngster matching the boy’s description, but overnight investigations have continued and we need to confirm he is okay and back with his family.
“The initial call was made in good faith, and we’d like to thank other callers who came through with information.
We would ask anyone else who may have information to contact Cleveland Police on 101 and cite ref 115208.”