Drones deployed in urgent search for boy, 14, missing in freezing cold | UK News

The family of a ‘very vulnerable’ 14-year-old boy have said they are ‘beside themselves’ after he went missing in freezing temperatures.

Drones and police dogs have been deployed to help find Luke Howe, who disappeared after leaving his grandparents’ home in Trafford, Greater Manchester, shortly after 6pm on Thursday, January 18.

He was last seen on Bankhall Lane. The schoolboy, who was still wearing his uniform, has ‘no concept of danger’ due to his global developmental delays and autism, relatives said.

His aunt, Jessica Howe said he has fled home before, ran towards roads and needed to be rescued by emergency services.

‘It’s a very serious situation in that when he ran out last night he purposely ran away from the house’, she said. ‘He’s only in his school uniform.

‘The police have been extensively involved, they’ve set up drones looking for him and had police dogs come out. None has been to any avail yet.’

Searches have so far focused on the River Bollin in Trafford and the River Mersey in south Manchester.

They are expected to continue this morning.

Jessica urged anyone walking in the Hale, Altrincham, Wythenshawe and Sale areas, particularly near the rivers and canals, to keep an eye out for her nephew.

She also thanked police and emergency services for their search efforts so far.

‘We’re just asking people to keep their eyes peeled,’ Jessica went on.

‘The only thing we can pray for now is that he’s somehow managed to find himself some shelter. He’s just a young, very vulnerable schoolboy.

‘If anyone saw anything last night, saw a young boy behaving erratically last night, please get in touch.

‘Police have given a reference number so if you can get in touch with them that will be brilliant.

‘We’re just absolutely beside ourselves, his parents are inconsolable. We will be out again searching today.’

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