Worried friends reach five million Twitter followers in search for missing boy, 17 (From Salisbury Journal)

Worried friends reach five million Twitter followers in search for missing boy, 17

9:56am Tuesday 26th February 2013 in Headlines By Miranda Robertson

STUDENTS at the Burgate School have reached five million people in a desperate search for their friend, who went missing on Sunday.

Ross Haughey, 17, left his home in Abbotswell Road, Frogham, at about 1.30pm telling his parents he was going for a walk, but did not return.

The quiet youngster is said to regularly walk in the Forest but usually comes back after a few hours.

Though he is said to occasionally suffer from depression his parents say he seemed fine that day.

Now his friends have taken to Twitter, using the hashtag #FindRoss, reaching millions of people in hours.

The school is also helping in the search for him, said headteacher David Pover.

Mr Pover added: “Ross is a bright young man who is academically talented.

“He is a modest, gentle student who has settled well in our sixth form at The Burgate with excellent effort and attendance.

“Ross is known for his fitness and ability as a middle distance runner.

“Students have set up #FindRoss on Twitter which has already reached 5 million people.

“The school community has offered the emergency services support in the physical search for Ross.

“We are all concerned that Ross is currently missing and remain hopeful for his safe return. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.”

Police say Ross usually uses the paths and tracks towards Fritham near the streams, Hyde Farm Shop or around the Gorley area. But he is fit and used to walking long distances so may have gone further afield.

He is described as slim, 5ft 10 inches tall with short dark hair and wearing a grey top with a hood. He also wore jeans and white running shoes with a green edging. He took with him a wax effect jacket in a rucksack.

It’s not known why he has not returned and officers say they are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Sergeant Simon Flint said: “We’ve had officers out searching for Ross with the assistance of search volunteers (HANTSAR).

“Police dogs units and the Dorset Police air support unit have also been assisting local officers by searching the area.

“I’d urge anyone who has seen Ross or has any idea where he may be to contact the duty Sergeant at Ringwood Police Station on 101 as soon as possible.”

#FindRoss on Twitter - live feed

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