School boy found safe and well

Police in Birmingham are appealing for sightings of a 16-year-old boy who failed to turn up for school this morning.

Adam Dugmore was last seen by his parents at around 8.45am when he left the family home on Tyburn Road, Erdington.

He was reported missing to police at 11am by his dad who found out that he had not turned up for school.

Adam has been struggling to come to terms with the death of his nine-year-old brother, Aaron, who took his own life in February this year and officers are anxious to know that he is safe and well.

Chief Superintendent Rachel Jones, commander for the Birmingham north local policing unit, said: "For Adam to go off in such circumstances is a cause for concern for us.

"His parents are beside themselves with worry and we are doing everything we can to find him.

"I would ask that anyone who has seen Adam today calls us as a matter of urgency. I would also appeal directly to Adam to contact us.

"Adam you are not in any trouble. We all just want to know that you are safe and well."

Officers from across the force are searching for the boy in local parks and wasteland. His friends are being spoken to and his extended family are being contacted.

Bus drivers have been put on alert and are regularly checking their vehicles.

Adam, who has birthday cash with him, is described as white, 5'8" tall and slim. He has short blonde hair, brown eyes and was wearing a North Birmingham Academy school uniform; black trousers and black jumper - under a grey zip-up hoodie.

He was also wearing grey coloured Ralph Lauren pumps and was carrying a yellow JD sports drawstring bag.

Adam or anyone who knows where he is urged to call West Midlands Police immediately on 101. People who do not want to speak with police officers directly can contact the independent charity Missing People on 116 000.