POLICE searching for schoolboy Patrick Casey believe friends may be helping him to remain missing 10 days after he was last seen.
Essex Police have been searching for the missing 13-year-old since March 18 when he left his home in Fronton to visit a friend in Clacton-on-Sea.
He didn't come home, and police have said there are concerns for his welfare.
On Monday, March 27, Chief Inspector Russ Cole, district commander for Tendring said: "There is an awful lot of work ongoing by my officers to develop a number of lines of enquiry to find Patrick.
“I think he is possibly with a group of friends who are supporting him and enabling him to remain missing.
"I know these people are likely to be using social media and therefore I ask you to continue sharing the appeal so it reaches those who need to see it.
Chief Insp Cole also had a message for Patrick.
"We have been working for more than a week now to find you and make sure you are safe.
"A considerable number of police officers have been dedicated to looking for you. Please get in touch with us and let us know you are ok.”
Patrick is described as being 5ft 2ins and of a slim build. He was last seen wearing a blue Nike baseball cap, a grey top and grey bottoms and was carrying an Adidas bag.
