VIDEO: Tributes paid to seven-year-old South Yorkshire boy Conley Thompson as body is found

Conley Thompson, from Underwood Avenue, Worsbrough, was playing in Locke Park in Barnsley with his friends when he vanished last night.

He is believed to have left the park at 8pm to return home but never arrived.

The youngster was reported missing a short time later.

Today, police officers have cordoned off Bank End Road, Worsbrough, following the discovery of a child’s body.

Conley’s family has been informed of the discovery.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “Officers searching for missing seven-year-old Conley Thompson have this morning found the body of a child on a construction site on Bank End Road in the Worsbrough area of Barnsley.

“The body was found at approximately 8.30am.

“Formal identification of the body is yet to take place, however it is believed to be that of Conley.

“His family have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers.”

Detective Inspector Victoria Short, leading the investigation, said: “We deployed our full resources with officers searching throughout the night to find Conley and we are deeply saddened by this tragic development.

“While it is early in the investigation, the death is being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem will take place in due course.

“Our thoughts remain with Conley’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

A police van and a number of police vehicles and officers are at the construction site, including forensic experts in white suits.