The body of a missing five-year-old boy has been found in a river in south Wales.
Police were called at 5.45am on Saturday to a report of a missing child in Sarn, Bridgend. The boy’s body was later found in the Ogmore River near Pandy Park.
He was taken to Princess of Wales hospital in Bridgend where it was confirmed that the child had died. His family is being supported by specially trained officers.
South Wales police are investigating the incident and would like to speak to anybody who was in the area at the time he went missing or who may have information about how the boy got into the water.
Ch Insp Geraint White said: “This is a tragic incident in which a young child has sadly lost their life. We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information, to get in touch.”
He added: “We would ask the public not to speculate about this incident on social media as this is an active investigation. If you have any information that can help, please report this to us. Our thoughts are with the family and we are supporting them in every way we can.”
White said that detectives are continuing efforts to establish what happened.
“The local neighbourhood police team will continue to support and speak to residents in the area, and I encourage people to talk to them if they have any concerns,” he said.
“We recognise there are a lot of people in the local community who would like answers about what happened to [the boy]. We are keeping an open mind and are working hard to establish the full circumstances of his death so that we can provide answers to his family,” he added. “This is an extensive and sensitive investigation and many people have been affected by this death.”
He thanked members of the local community for their “understanding and support”.
The force called for anyone with any information to contact them quoting reference number 2100268674.
PA Media contributed to this report
