Heartbreak as body of missing boy, 2, found in river
A BOY aged two has been found dead in a fast-flowing river.
The lad, who is not being named, was found at 12.35pm yesterday, 80 minutes after being reported missing.
A huge search was launched involving police, firefighters, a water rescue unit and air ambulance but the boy was recovered from the River Ericht at Bridge of Cally, near Blairgowrie, Perthshire.
He was reported missing from a nearby a property in the Milton of Drimmie area.
A neighbour said: “There’s only one field separating the house from the river so he easily could have walked down on his own.
“They’re a local family. He goes to Rattray Rugrats nursery down the road. It’s so sad. Everyone is in shock.” A relative, who said he was the boy’s uncle, arrived at the property but was too upset to comment.
Bunches of flowers were attached to the gate at the end of the dirt track leading down to the family home.
John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, tweeted: “Heartbreaking news. My deepest sympathies to everyone involved.” Liz Grant, provost of Perth and Kinross, said: “It will be absolutely devastating for the family and the community. Bridge of Cally is a small village. The River Ericht is fast, particularly at this time of year.”
Many people left messages of support on social media. Chelsea Cochrane wrote: “I can’t begin to imagine the heartbreak and anguish his family must be going through.”