Police appeal over missing Birmingham boy

Mar 24 2008 By Mark Cowan

POLICE today issued an urgent appeal for help to trace a boy of ten from Birmingham who vanished as he made his way home from a friend’s home.

Ben Smythe has not been seen since 7pm yesterday when he said goodbye to his friend in Riddfield Road, in 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 police spokesman said his family were “extremely concerned due to his young age and vulnerability”.

“They are appealing for Ben or anyone who may have seen him to contact his family or police as soon as possible,” the spokesman added.

Ben is described as white, 5ft tall and slim build with short blond hair. When last seen he was wearing a long dark coat with a hood, dark jeans, and a cream and green T shirt.

Police conducted area searches overnight in a bid to try and find Ben.

Officers were back out on the streets this morning carrying out house-to-house inquiries and continuing with the search.

The force helicopter was also scrambled overnight to help with the search using its high-tech thermal imaging cameras to try and find Ben.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about Ben’s disappearance to contact officers at Stechford on 0845 113 5000.