There is huge relief at a holiday resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal, after a missing little boy was found safe.

 

The seven-year-old, who has not been named, went missing at 11.40am yesterday while walking down a hill known as Ponta Negra; to the east of Praia da Luz, where Maddie disappeared 10 years ago.

 

He was walking ahead of his parents and disappeared before they could catch up to him.

 

A source said: “They had the boy in their sight but got worried as they were nearing town, and started running to reach him but lost sight of him.”

 

The parents frantically searched for him for about an hour, before calling police at 12.30.

 

 

Portuguese police responded quickly, mounting road blocks and conducting door-to-door enquiries. Maritime police conducted searches close to Praia da Luz beach, also.

 

The search was called off at 1pm, when the youngster was found and taken to a local police station.

 

Police spokesman Sandra Panazete, who works for Portugal’s PSP force, said: “Around 1pm, a 65-year-old British man appeared at the PSP station in Lagos with a seven-year-old British boy, who he found in Praia da Luz.

 

“Apparently, the boy approached him asking for help as the man was speaking in English. The boy was OK. He didn’t look injured, just fine and relaxed. At 1.30pm, the father and four GNR police officers went to the police station to pick him up.”

 

It appears the youngster became lost and didn’t come to any harm while missing.

 

 

Portuguese police officers took a photo with the relieved little boy, who looked happy to be reunited with his parents.

 

Last night, authorities confirmed the matter would be reported to prosecutors, to decide if there was any negligence on the part of the parents.

 

A source told The Metro: “It is highly unlikely this will go any further but the GNR is obliged to act in this way.”

 

 

The Praia de Luz area is infamous for the mysterious disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann, who vanished 10 years ago on May 3, 2007.

 

Despite extensive investigations, no trace of little Madeleine has ever been found.

 

Both Scotland Yard and a Portuguese police team are still investigating her disappearance.

 

Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for Madeleine McCann’s parents, told The Sun they are “hugely relieved” to learn the little boy had been found safe.

Latest

Trending