Missing boy in Hailsham, Sussex - last seen at bedtime Thurs

http://www.sussex.police.uk/news-and-events/news/2010/10/01/missing-3-year-old-boy-in-hailsham

Not sure if he's been found yet but can't find anything saying he has :( Seems the grandfather is involved.

Police are appealing for information after a three-year-old boy went missing from his home in the Solway, Hailsham, earlier today (Friday 1 October).

Jack Howlett was reported missing by his mother at 8.45am and was last seen when she put him to bed at around 11pm last night. It is believed the boy may be with his grandfather, Stephen Howlett, 52, from Hailsham.

Chief Inspector Julia Pope, District Commander for Wealden, said: "Detectives have made extensive enquiries to try and find Jack and family liaison officers have been supporting his family during this difficult time. We believe Jack may be with his grandfather Stephen and therefore not in immediate danger, however, we are now becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare as Stephen has not been in contact.

"I am appealing directly to Stephen to make contact immediately. I would like to hear from anyone who thinks they have seen them or Stephen's car, which is a black Vauxhall Vectra 5-door saloon, registration VN51 ENH, to report it straight away by calling 999."

Jack is described as white, with short flat blonde hair that is sometimes spiked, tall for his age at 3', skinny to medium build, bright blue eyes, is shy around strangers and likes to hold bunches of keys. He was last seen wearing his pyjamas.

Stephen is described as white, 5'11, skinny build, with ginger-greying hair thinning on top and with a bird tattoo on his right upper arm.

It doesn't say why they think the lad is with his grandfather. I guess the grandfather may have been living in the same house.

Disappearing from the home late at night is not a good omen though, is it. Let's hope this is just a doting Grandfather and that Jack will be found safe and sound.

Angelique

Just seen this update:

Police have been in contact with missing boy
02 October 2010

Police investigating the disappearance of three-year-old Jack Howlett from his home in Hailsham early yesterday morning, have been in touch with the boy and his grandfather.

This morning Stephen Howlett, 52, of Hailsham answered his mobile phone to the detective leading the inquiry. He spoke with Stephen and Jack, who appears safe and well.

Chief Inspector Julia Pope, District Commander for Wealden, said:"We believed that Jack was with his grandfather and was not in immediate danger. We have appealed for him to contact us and are pleased that he has spoken with us this morning to confirm that Jack is fine. We also spoke with Jack and he appeared well. At this time we don't know where they are but Stephen has arranged to meet police today to discuss what has happened and will bring Jack with him.

"I appreciate the support from the media and public in our appeals to find them."

Maybe he has good reason to take the boy. Doesn't seem as though he is in danger anyway which is great news!

http://www.sussex.police.uk/news-and-events/news/2010/10/02/police-have-been-in-contact-with-missing-boy-

Thanks for that update quickfingers - at least they know he's well and not come to any harm.

Angelique

He's back now safe and well :) Nice to have a good conclusion although I wonder why the grandfather took him in the first place.

http://www.sussex.police.uk/news-and-events/news/2010/10/02/missing-jack-howlett-returns

Excellent news - we can now stop holding our breath for fear it could have been worse.

Angelique

That ended so quickly that the McCanns didn't even get the chance to issue one of their ludicrous statements.

T4two wrote:That ended so quickly that the McCanns didn't even get the chance to issue one of their ludicrous statements.

T4two wrote:That ended so quickly that the McCanns didn't even get the chance to issue one of their ludicrous statements.