Police searching for missing seven-year-old Conley Thompson have this morning (Monday) found the body of a child on a construction site in the Worsbrough area of Barnsley, South Yorks.
South Yorkshire police say the body was found at approximately 8.30am.
Formal identification is yet to take place, however it is believed to be that of Conley.
The boy’s family have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Inspector Victoria Short 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 will take place in due course.
“Our thoughts remain with Conley’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Conley’s family were too devastated to speak this morning – while a woman, believed to be his mother, left the street in a car.
A strong police presence remained on the street where the seven-year-old lives, with two officers flanking the door of the semi-detached house where he is believed to have lived with his mother.
Residents in the area have expressed their shock and grief at the news.
One lady, who did not want to give a name, said: “I don’t know the family but this is a close-knit area and word spreads like wildfire.
“I just can’t believe it, it’s so sad. I feel terrible for them. I heard screams and cries coming from the house which must be when they were told.
“People have been writing things on Facebook like ‘Rest In Peace’.
“Apparently he had been seen climbing around in the area near the church yard.
“I often see him playing about on the street.”
Another lady in the area said: “I can’t imagine what the family must be going through. It’s just unbelievable.
“He was just a kid who liked playing out in the street.”
One man, who also did not want to give a name, said: “It’s so sad. The whole community is in shock.”
