Police issue update on search for boy, 11, who has been reported missing
South Wales Police has issued an update on its search for Artur, an 11-year-old boy from Merthyr Tydfil who has been missing since around 4pm on Friday.
News of his disappearance sparked action from hundreds of volunteers, but police are asking everyone to head home for their own safety, and to leave it to the specialist teams who will continue to search for the boy overnight.
READ MORE: Major police search launched after boy, 11, goes missing
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They thanked the community for the overwhelming support, but said that as the sunlight faded, conditions could become dangerous.
The last sighting of Artur was when he was seen running away from school at the end of the school day. This was at the riverside on Pandy Close, Merthyr Tydfil.
He was wearing a red t-shirt and blue shorts. He is 5'1" tall, of slight build, with dark close-cut hair.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "Thank you to the members of the public who have come out to help search for Artur this evening.
"We would like to stress that Artur has not been seen playing in proximity to the river, and urge the public not to put themselves at risk by searching close to the river as sunlight is fading and conditions become hazardous.
"Artur was last seen running away from school at the end of the school day.
"A team of specialist officers are in the area conducting the search for Artur. At this stage we urge the public to please return to their homes so that no further safety risk is posed."
In their initial appeal, a spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "Help us find Artur, 11, missing from Dowlais, MerthyrTydfil.
"Artur was last seen at 4.40pm near the riverside on Pandy Close, Merthyr Tydfil.
"He was wearing a red t-shirt and blue shorts. He is 5'1" tall, of slight build, with dark close-cut hair.
"If you have seen Artur, or have any information which will help us to find him, please contact us quoting ref: 2500220767 .
"You can contact us on online via our website, by calling 101, or by phoning Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111."
Arthur is still missing, and anyone who may have seen him is urged to contact police at the earliest opportunity.
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