Police have spotted a ‘body’ in the sea during the search for a ‘high risk’ missing boy who vanished on Saturday.
Athrun, who is autistic, was last seen near a boating lake and playpark at the West Shore Beach in Llandudno at the weekend.
The hunt has seen sea, land and air searches in the area involving the police, coastguard, and RNLI, as well as members of the public.
At around 7pm yesterday there was a potential sighting of a body during air searches by the National Police Air Service, triggering a major response from the coastguard and RNLI.
The Coastguard helicopter and teams have been involved alongside four lifeboat crews.
North Wales Police said: ‘There will continue to be an increased emergency service presence in the area throughout the evening.
‘Whilst work is ongoing to try and locate and recover the body, Athrun’s family have been informed and are being supported by officers.’
Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan 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.
‘Multi-agency searches will continue into the night following this evening’s sighting and I would ask for members of the public not to gather on the beach.’
The Coastguard said: ‘HM Coastguard are currently assisting North Wales Police in conducting a search in Conwy.
‘Alerted just after 7.15pm, an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter has been sent alongside Rhyl Coastguard Rescue Team, Rhyl RNLI all-weather lifeboat and Conwy and Llandudno RNLI inshore lifeboats.’