Missing boy found safe and well

Mar 24 2008 By Mark Cowan

A YOUNGSTER who went missing as he made his way home in Birmingham was this afternoon found "safe and well", police said.

Ben Smythe has not been seen since 7pm yesterday when he said goodbye to his friend in Riddfield Road, Bromford, to walk the short distance home.

When he failed to arrive at the family home in Bromford Drive his worried parents raised the alarm.

A major search for Ben was launched including scores of officers, police sniffers dogs and the force helicopter.

Officers also spend last night and today contacting Ben's friends.

A West Midlands Police spokesman this afternoon revealed the youngster had turned up at an address in Kingstanding at 2.35pm.

His parents were seen leaving the family home in Bromford Drive with police where it is thought they would be reunited with him.

"It is not clear where Ben has been since he went missing yesterday evening, but he is safe and well," the spokesman said. "Specially trained officers will be speaking to him in due course to discover his whereabouts.

"Ben will be reunited with his parents."