Police are growing “increasingly concerned” for a north mother and her 12-year-old son who have been missing for more than a week.
Sandra Element, 54, and her son Aiden Hoggard were last seen in Balintore’s Main Street last Monday at about 8.15am.
The pair were reported missing to police at 2pm last Friday.
Yesterday, in a statement issued by police, Inspector Jamie Wilson said: “As time goes by we are naturally increasingly concerned for Sandra and Aiden and we would ask that anyone who may have information as to where they are get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“We believe they may have connections in England and may have travelled using public transport.
“We want to ensure they are safe and well and ask anyone with information to contact police on 101.”
Ms Element is described as around 5ft 5ins in height, of a slim build with brown hair. When she was last seen she was wearing black clothing.
Aiden is around 4ft tall, of slim build with brown hair and a pale complexion. He was last seen wearing a knitted jumper and carrying a black rucksack.
Recent posts on social media by local people have claimed that the youngster told friends that he and his mother were returning to France.
According to messages apparently posted by Ms Element on social media in 2010, she appeared to express fears of her and Aiden being deported.
It is not known whether they were being deported when they went missing last week.
One youngster, thought to be a school friend, wrote: “Aiden told me that we wouldn’t see him last Thursday or maybe before as him and his mum were returning back to France because there were some issues being here.”
Myisha Jack wrote: “What a shame, all she wants is her son. She was delighted when he came home for good. Hope you’re okay Sandra.”
Debbie Stainke wrote: “My daughter is in school with Aiden and he told them they were returning to France. Hope they are found safe and well.
Another youngster, understood to be a school friend of Aiden, wrote: “He told me and my friends on Monday he wasn’t coming back as he is moving to France again . All my teachers knew as well . Hope they are found.”
