UPDATED: Coastguard, Police and Lifeboat crews are this afternoon conducting a major search in the Ryde area for two missing boys, aged 6 and 8.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge and several Police units are present at the scene, alongside an ambulance on standby from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
Ryde Inshore Lifeboat’s Rescue 2 craft is conducting a search of the shoreline from the sea. Coastguard Rescue 104 helicopter has also joined the search, taking place at Appley Beach between Ryde and Puckpool.
The two boys are described as:
6-year-old 8 year old
– Wearing Pale blue trunks – Wearing Red trunks
– Dark brown hair – Mole on his left shoulder
– Pale skin
– Dark brown eyes
Island Echo understands that the boys were last seen in the Appley Tower area at around midday. It is feared they have entered the water.
The assistance of the Police was requested at 13:21 this afternoon.
Anyone who spots the two young boys are asked to dial 999 immediately.
UPDATE @ 15:38 – The search for two missing boys continues this afternoon. HM Coastguard and Police are appealing for the parents, who made the initial 999 call, to get back in touch with rescue teams by dialing 999.
UPDATE @ 16:20 – HM Coastguard and Police have formally called off the search and rescue operation this afternoon. It is no longer believed that the two boys are missing.
UPDATE @ 16:35 – Police have this afternoon called at an address in Seaview given by the parents, however no persons were found at the property. Enquiries are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances that led to the search.
UPDATE @ 18:10 – A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has this evening said:
“The force is keeping an open mind about the circumstances of this report. There is no evidence at this time to confirm a criminal offence has been committed deliberately. There could be a completely innocent explanation for what happened. Nothing can be ruled out as we assess all the information available.
We are renewing an appeal for the parents or any relatives of these two boys to contact the police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Newport Police Station by phoning 101.”
