Missing boy found safe and well

Liam Sullivan was one of eight youngsters on an organised trip

An eight-year-old boy, who went missing overnight from a campsite in north Devon, has been found safe and well in nearby woods, police have said.

Officers had earlier found the wellington boots of Liam Sullivan, from Exeter, who vanished from an organised camp at Bridge Reeve, near Chulmleigh.

Searchers found him conscious and talking in woods near the campsite.

A check-up at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital found him to be cold but in a satisfactory condition.

Woodland wander

Liam was part of a group of eight youngsters from all over Britain who were on a trip organised by WildWise Events, based in Dartington.

He went missing on Thursday morning, and after a fruitless search for him by the trip organisers, the police were called in.

Police divers and teams of searchers from Dartmoor and Exmoor rescue groups spent Thursday night and Friday morning looking for the youngster.

Concern grew when his green wellington boots were found at the edge of a stream by a member of the public on Thursday night.

It is believed he wandered into woodland near the campsite and was found within a mile of where he was staying.

He was described as cold and wet when discovered, but was well enough to be able to tell his rescuers his name, police said.

Divers searched nearby rivers which had swollen due to recent weather

Local resident David Phillips, who helped in the search, said: "It's a story with a happy ending.

"I didn't think it would be a happy ending after 24 hours of him out in this weather, but we're all really pleased."

Liam's parents, Kevin Sullivan and Helen Mousey, said: "We are delighted that Liam is fine and well.

"He is full of excitement about what has happened to him and is chattering about having been in a police helicopter and seeing deer.

"We would like to convey our deepest thanks to everyone who helped find Liam and to the emergency services who have looked after him so well.

"We had feared the worst. The fact that he is fit and well is wonderful beyond words."