Search for missing boy continues after body sighted

Charlie Buckland
BBC News
North Wales Police A teenage boy with short brown hair, smiling and looking directly at the camera
North Wales Police
Athrun, 16, went missing from West Shore Beach in Llandudno on Saturday afternoon

Police have launched further searches for a "vulnerable" 16-year-old boy following a potential sighting of a body in the sea.

Athrun, who is autistic, and was believed to be wearing only blue and white patterned swim shorts and no footwear, was reported missing from West Shore Beach in Llandudno, Conwy county at about 14:00 BST on 10 May.

North Wales Police said the sighting came shortly after 19:00 BST on Tuesday during air searches for Athrun, and multi-agency searches would continue into the night.

The force said Athrun's family had been informed and were being supported by officers and work was ongoing to try and locate and recover the body.

Chief inspector Trystan Bevan asked members of the public not to gather on the beach while emergency services continued the search.

In a statement, he said: "Whilst I am grateful for the ongoing support and concern by the community, I would remind members of the public that this is an extremely distressing situation for the family.

"Speculation on social media is not helpful to our investigation and is not respectful towards the family members during this incredibly difficult time," he added.