Seven-year-old boy missing overnight found hiding in gran’s loft

A seven-year-old boy who went missing on Sunday night has been found “safe and well” following a major search operation.

Carson Shephard was found in his grandmother’s loft in a wall cavity after disappearing from Afton Bridgend in New Cumnock, East Ayrshire.

The schoolboy was reported missing after having last been seen in the village at around 7.20pm on Sunday.

Carson was still missing on Monday morning with police deploying a helicopter, divers, dog units and receiving aid from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service water support unit.

After the schoolboy was found safe, Carson’s mum said he had spent the night in the loft and was discovered only after police using thermal equipment scanned the area on Monday.

‘I’m laughing now but, believe me, I wasn’t laughing before.’
Gemma Glover, Carson’s mum

Gemma Glover, 27, from Glasgow, said he had been staying with his grandmother Jacquie McCartney in New Cumnock for the past few months.

She told reporters: “It’s such a massive relief.

“Police searched the loft three times last night but came in with specialist equipment this morning.

“I’ve never felt anything like it, it was crazy. All night I was thinking how cold it was and in my mind I was like ‘he’s not survived that’.

“It was so cold last night and we genuinely thought he was out the house. The main thing is he’s all right. I can’t explain the emotion, it’s crazy.”

She added that Carson had wrapped himself in insulation and was tucked away at the end of the loft.

Carson’s mother Gemma added she discovered he was missing at about 11.30pm on Sunday through Facebook before rushing through from Glasgow to help search for him.

The mother of two, who also has a little girl, praised the search efforts of locals, adding: “The amount of people who drove through to search for him was amazing.”

She went on: “We hunted the house but the loft goes a bit back and he was in there.

“I’m laughing now but, believe me, I wasn’t laughing before.”

As she spoke to reporters outside her mother’s house, Carson peeped through the blinds to see what was going on.

Carson’s uncle Alec McCartney said it was a “massive relief” for the whole family after his nephew was discovered by specialist cameras “lying sleeping, sort of covered” with a wrap of insulation over him.

“There were so many people out searching for him this morning, it’s really helpful having people around about you. It’s a good outcome for everybody,” he said.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are pleased to report that seven-year-old Carson Shephard, reported missing from New Cumnock has been found safe and well.

“Officers would like to thank everyone who assisted in this inquiry.

“He was found hiding in a wall cavity during a detailed search of his home address by specialist officers.”