Man, woman and teen, 13, arrested for murder after boy found dead in river
Three people, including a 13-year-old, have been arrested after a young boy was found dead in a river in Wales.
A five-year-old boy was reported missing at around 5.45am on Saturday morning from his family home in Sarn, Bridgend.
Emergency workers and police divers rushed to the scene and found the little boy dead in the River Ogmore.
He was taken to Princess of Wales Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The river, near Pandy Park, is less than a quarter of a mile away from his home.
Police earlier said they were ‘keeping an open mind’ to the circumstances around the young boy’s death – but have said it is now being treated as a murder investigation.
A man, 39, a woman, 30, and a 13-year-old boy, all from the Bridgend area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
South Wales Police said on its Facebook page: ‘We can confirm that following reports of concerns for a missing five year old boy in #Sarn #Bridgend and the subsequent finding of the body in the Ogmore River near Pandy Park, three people have been arrested.
‘A 39-year-old man, 30-year-old woman and 13-year-old man, all from the Bridgend area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
‘We are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.’
Dozens of officers were seen scouring the playing field and paths leading from the family home to the river bank this weekend.
Chief Inspector Geraint White said he understood ‘there are a lot of people in the local community who would like answers about what happened to him’ as he urged people to come forward with information.
He also asked people not to speculate about what may have happened on social media as the investigation is carried out.
CI White added: ‘The local neighbourhood police team will continue to support and speak to residents in the area, and I encourage people to talk to them if they have any concerns.’
He said ‘regular contact’ had been made with the boy’s family, who are currently being supported by specialist trained officers.
‘This is a tragic incident in which a young child has sadly lost their life,’ he added.
‘We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information, to get in touch…
‘Our thoughts are with the family and we are supporting them in every way we can.’
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