Police have released CCTV footage in the desperate hunt for a 12-year-old boy who vanished in Cardiff city centre this morning.
Blake, from Llanharan in Wales, was reported missing today, South Wales Police confirmed. The youngster was last seen around 8.40am in Cardiff city centre, according to police.
Officers described Blake as approximately 4ft 6in tall. The schoolboy was last seen wearing navy blue tracksuit bottoms, a grey tracksuit jacket and grey velcro trainers. He was also carrying a large black Nike backpack with white writing and a Nike tick on the back.
South Wales Police advised the public to “always call 999 in an emergency” if they spot the missing child. The force stated that anyone who may have seen Blake, or who has information about his whereabouts, should contact them via live chat or online, quoting occurrence number 2500309643.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via their online form.
The search comes as concerns mount for the youngster’s welfare. Time is critical in missing child cases, with police mobilising resources across the city to locate Blake safely.
According to verified police guidance, “You do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. It is not wasting police time to report someone missing. We are here to protect you and your loved ones.”
South Wales Police have dedicated Missing Persons Teams that specialise in dealing with cases involving children. In complex searches, the force draws on various resources including their Public Service Centre, dog units, drone specialists, Specialist Search Teams and the National Police Air Service.
The force works closely with partner agencies including local authorities and voluntary organisations when searching for missing persons, particularly vulnerable children.
Police data shows that missing children reports are not uncommon in Wales, with thousands of incidents reported annually. However, the vast majority of missing children are found safe within 24 hours of being reported missing.
Officers are conducting searches across Cardiff city centre and have asked the public to remain vigilant. The timing of the disappearance on a Saturday morning in the busy city centre presents particular challenges for search teams, with multiple shopping areas, transport links and potential routes out of the city.
Members of the public are urged not to approach Blake if he appears distressed, but to immediately call 999 and keep him in sight if safe to do so. Police emphasise that any information, however small it might seem, could be crucial in bringing Blake home safely.
As the search continues, South Wales Police maintain that locating Blake safely is their absolute priority. The force has activated multiple channels for information gathering, including their 24/7 live chat service and dedicated phone lines.
Anyone with information about Blake’s whereabouts should contact South Wales Police immediately via live chat or their online reporting system, quoting occurrence number 2500309643. In an emergency, always call 999.
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