Missing boy Mikaeel Kular search: Police 'deeply concerned'

As temperatures dropped to near freezing, police who were searching through the night for the three year old are now deeply concerned.

17:11 17 January 2014

Three-year-old Mikaeel Kular has been missing from his bed since Wednesday night. He was last seen when his mother put him to bed only to discover the next morning that he wasn’t there. So far, a major ground, air, and sea search has been conducted but as week drew to a close the little boy is yet to be found.

Police have checked CCTV from the scene but no vital information was gathered. As the search continues, local residents joined the emergency services. A Local Team Office in 8 West Pilton Gardens is opened for people who would like to volunteer. Meanwhile, Mikaeel’s picture will be shown on big screens at railway stations and other public places.

Anyone who may have any information on his whereabouts is urged to call the number 0300 200 0200, which will be answered by dedicated members of staff.

Superintendent Liz McAinsh of Police Scotland, who is leading the search, said on Friday that police were getting concerned due to the drop of temperature to near freezing. At the press conference this morning, she said: "I remain optimistic but as time passes we are becoming deeply concerned. I would stress that this is still a missing person inquiry and we are treating it as such.

"Significant policing resources were deployed throughout the night but there is still no trace of Mikaeel.

"There's lots of activity today, lots of police officers, helped by members of the public.

"No-one is detained, no-one is a suspect, we have no evidence of any criminality."