The body of a boy has been found in a river following a large search for a missing child.
The tragic discovery was made in Mountain Ash in the Cynon Valley this evening.
Specialist police teams, fire fighters and emergency service helicopters scoured the scene following reports of a young person in the river at 5.40pm.
The A4059 through the Cynon Valley was closed between Mountain Ash and Cwmbach while police investigated, Wales Online reported.
A spoksperson for South Wales Police said: "Sadly a male youth has been confirmed dead at the scene of an incident near Fernhill.
"We were called at 5.40pm today to reports of a young person in the river near Fernhill.
"An extensive search was carried out involving specialist police teams, the helicopter and the fire and rescue service.
"The A4059 between Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and Cwmbach roundabout has re-opened after being closed during the search."
Rhondda Cynon Taf leader Andrew Morgan, who is also councillor for Mountain Ash, sent his condolences to the boy's family.
"Very sad news that the police have now confirmed a body has been found," he wrote on Twitter.
"Thoughts with all family and friends."
Within an hour of South Wales Police announcing news of the sad discovery hundreds of people took to Facebook to express their sadness.
One woman wrote: "Heartbreaking. So very sad. No words can be of comfort I know, but deepest sympathy to family and friends.
"God bless you and your family young man."
