Video: Three held after missing boy, 10, found tied up in empty flat

DETECTIVES were today questioning three men on suspicion of kidnap after a missing 10-year-old boy, who vanished during a trip to the local shops, was allegedly discovered with his hands “bound” inside an empty flat.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Nov 2011, 12:04 BST

West Midlands Police launched an investigation after the youngster, from Oldbury, was reported missing by a worried family member at 9.15am on Sunday when he failed to return home.

Police officers and members of the public frantically searched the area for more than two hours before a neighbour spotted the boy inside a property at around 11.30am.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was uninjured and returned to his family shortly after the ordeal.

Local resident Jean Masih told reporters she saw the youngster at the window of the property before raising the alarm.

“His arms looked like they were bound and he has a white sheet wrapped around his body. I asked who was in the house and he said ‘no-one, the man has gone and left me,’” she said.

Last night the ground floor flat was being searched by forensic officers while detectives were granted additional time to quiz the suspects.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Officers are expected to interview the boy in the coming days to establish how he came to be at the flat.

A police spokesman said: “Three men, a 49-year-old, a 30-year-old and a 48-year-old, all from the local area, have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and are currently being questioned by detectives.

“We are working closely with the family and local community.”

The spokesman said magistrates sitting in Birmingham last night granted officers a custody time limit extension, allowing detectives to question the men for a further period today.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The spokesman added: “The 10-year-old boy was reported missing at 9.15am on Sunday morning by a family member after he failed to return home from a visit to local shops.

“Police officers and members of the public searched the area and, following a sighting by a neighbour at around 11.30am, he was found at a nearby property.

“The address where the boy was found is owned by a housing association and police would like to make it clear the property is not a bail hostel, contrary to rumours.

“At this early stage, with three people in custody, no further details will be given.”

The cul-de-sac where the boy was found remained cordoned off today as police continued to make inquiries at the property.