A 29-YEAR-OLD man is in police custody following the death of an 11-year-old boy in Wailoku, Suva.
Police said the boy was reported missing by his mother before his body was discovered near his home at around midday on Friday.
The Fiji Times understands the boy was last seen on Wednesday evening while playing at a neighbour’s house and did not return home.
According to eyewitnesses, several children had been playing together on Wednesday afternoon while the adults were inside preparing for dinner.
When the children were called in for dinner at around 7pm, it was discovered the 11-year-old was missing.
Neighbours and family members searched for the boy throughout Wednesday night and continued the search on Thursday.
According to neighbours, the boy was last seen following another boy around the area.
His body was found on Friday morning behind an abandoned house some distance from his home.
Witnesses also alleged that the man now in police custody was seen fleeing the scene around the time the boy’s body was found.
The family has declined to comment as they mourn the loss of their child.
Police investigations are continuing.
