A MASSIVE search was launched last night after a 12-year-old boy went missing from home in near-freezing temperatures.
The Hunmanby youngster was found after a seven-hour hunt safe and sound, asleep in a bus shelter shortly after midnight.
The drama, which involved a police helicopter from Durham and dog handlers, started at 5.20pm when the child walked out of h
is home after a family row.
More than 100 people searched the village throughout the night including 50 mountain rescue officers, 10 coastguard officers, 10 police and members of the public who helped with door-to-door inquiries.
"Walking out and going missing was completely out of character and, in view of this together with darkness and outside temperatures dropping to freezing, the case was graded as high risk," said Inspector Tony Landray of Scarborough Police Station.
"Police officers, dog handlers and a helicopter formed up with Search and Rescue and the Coastal Rescue teams, assisted by friends of the boy's family and other members of the public and conducted local searches.
"Shortly after midnight, the boy was located asleep in a bus shelter. Other than being cold he was safe and well. Shortly afterwards he was reunited with his parents. The police would like to thank all of the support partners who assisted in this search, with a special appreciation of thanks to the neighbours and family friends who displayed a warm public spirit."
Tracey Bartley, who works at the Railway Tavern, said: "We heard a little boy had gone missing. We saw the helicopter and some police cars nearby."
