Concern growing for missing boy

Jonathan was wearing his school uniform went he went missing

Police are becoming increasingly concerned for a 15-year-old boy missing from Berkshire after volunteers spent a day helping officers search for him.

More than 30 people helped detectives hunt for Jonathan Marques, who has not been seen since leaving home in Whitley, Reading, last Tuesday morning.

Sunday's search included marshland off Rose Kiln Lane.

Ch Supt Richard Bennett said they boy's parents were "distraught" and urged people to check sheds and garages.

The search operation started at 0830 GMT on Sunday, with the hunt focusing on land near Island Road.

His family are distraught with worry about him Ch Supt Richard Bennett

Volunteers also handed out leaflets in Southcote Lane while wearing T-shirts printed with Jonathan's picture.

He was last seen leaving home to go to Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School.

He never arrived and has not been seen since.

Mr Bennett said: "We are becoming increasingly worried - the longer he's away, the more worried we get.

Father's plea

"His family are distraught with worry about him, which is why it's very important that Jonathan gets this message that he contacts us or his family as a matter of urgency."

He added that police had received some calls about the boy's disappearance, but none had turned out to be positive lines of inquiry.

A team of more than 35 volunteers handed out leaflets about Jonathan

Paul Chapman, who led the team of volunteers, said: "We will go on as long as the police want us to."

On Friday, Jonathan's father made an appeal for his missing son to come home or anyone who has him to "release him".

Menino Marques said he needed to know his son was safe and his mother wanted to hear his voice again.

Jonathan is described as having braces on his teeth and was wearing his school uniform, which includes a maroon sweatshirt and dark trousers.

He was also wearing a grey-coloured hooded top and was carrying a dark-coloured rucksack.