Tributes have been paid to a young Scots teenager after a body was found near his home during a major missing person search.
Santino ‘Sonny’ Hoggan was last seen leaving his house on Main Street in Glenfarg, near Perth, at around 6pm on Friday, January 15.
Concerns began to grow after the 16-year-old failed to return home overnight with his disappearance being described as ‘completely out of character’ by police.
Specialist resources including sniffer dogs were brought in to search for the young teen while residents were urged to check their sheds in case he had sought shelter.
Frantic relatives desperately appealed for help on social media before it was tragically announced that a body had been discovered on Sunday afternoon.
Formal identification has yet to take place but heartbroken friends have paid tribute to Sonny, whose death is not being treated as suspicious.
Paying tribute on social media, one friend wrote: “Sonny bud I can’t even begin to tell you how much you made others and me smile. It was unreal. You won’t be forgotten. Rest easy.”
Another posted: “Rest in peace my good friend. I hope you’re at peace and all pain is gone. Have a good time up there.”
A third posted: “Rest in paradise buddy, you will be missed.”
Another heartbroken friend added: “Thoughts are with his family and friends. You were the best of the best Sonny. Rest in peace.”
Heartfelt condolences were also sent to Sonny’s family as news of the tragic discovery broke.
One friend wrote: “So sad to hear this RIP Sonny. Such a young man. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mary and the family.”
Another added: “Rest in peace Sonny. Thinking of you Mary and all of your family.”
Police Scotland issued a statement revealing that a body had been discovered after previously appealing for help from the public to find Sonny.
A spokesperson said: "Around 2pm on Sunday January 17 the body of a male was found in a park in Glenfarg.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
"Formal identification is yet to take place however it is believed to be 16-year-old Santino Hoggan who had been reported missing from his home in Glenfarg.
"His family have been made aware."
