Missing Boy: Body Found On Building Site

Police searching for a seven-year-old who went missing after playing with his friends in a park have found the body of a child on a building site.

South Yorkshire Police believe the body is that of Conley Thompson, who was last seen at Locke Park in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, at around 8pm on Sunday.

The body was discovered at around 8.30am on Monday and Conley's family have been told.

Detective Inspector Victoria Short, who is leading the investigation, said: "We deployed our full resources with officers searching throughout the night to find Conley and we are deeply saddened by this tragic development.

"While it is early in the investigation, the death is being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

"Our thoughts remain with Conley's family and friends at this very difficult time."

The building site on Bank End Road, Worsbrough, was cordoned off as dozens of police officers searched the area for clues as to Conley's whereabouts.

Police believe Conley went to the park at around 6pm and left two hours later.

He was due to return home to Underwood Avenue in Worsbrough, but did not turn up.

Conley was reported missing a short time later.

He was last seen wearing a blue checked shirt, red shoes, a black coat and brown trousers.

People have been laying flowers and teddy bears next to the building site.

Wayne Bolton went with his son Finley, four, to pay his respects.

He said: "I can't begin to imagine what that family are going through.

"It was such a tragic accident, hopefully, and we just want to show support for the family and to be fair the whole community has turned up.

"It's shocked everyone and everyone is in bits and luckily, in an area like this, everyone comes together and we all help each other."

Reverend Trevor Keightley, vicar at the nearby St Thomas' Church, said: "Everyone's feeling it at the moment and everyone is very upset about it all.

"There was lots of people on Facebook and others going out to look for him, so people were very concerned for him."

A book of condolences will be opened at the church.