THE POLICE Service of Northern Ireland have asked the public to take a step back in the search for Noah Donohoe.
Hundreds of people have gathered each day to search for the missing 14-year-old, who disappeared on Sunday evening in the north Belfast area-- but there are fears the sheer volume of volunteers could impede the search.
Police and Noah's family have thanked the public for their efforts, with Noah's mother Fiona saying "the support of people coming together...is giving me and my family the strength to fight for him to be found", but some areas are being searched multiple times by different people, and the PSNI are now seeking to search for the missing boy alone for the next 48 hours.
Noah Donohoe has been missing from his home in south Belfast since Sunday evening. He was last seen in the Shore Rd area of north Belfast.An update on the search for Noah is expected to come later today, Thursday, on the fifth day of the search for the St Malachy's College student.
Police have urged people local to the area to search their own property, including "gardens, sheds and outbuildings for any sign of Noah.
"If you have a car or a caravan that hasn't been used in a while sitting on your driveway, please check.
"If anyone has had clothing go missing from washing lines, we need you to call us.
"If you are a landlord or own vacant property in the area, please check your property for any sign of Noah."
"Noah's family and police are incredibly concerned for his safety."
Noah is believed to have suffered a head injury after a witness saw him fall of his bike and begin acting erratically. According to reports, the 14-year-old stripped off his clothing and cycled naked through the north Belfast area.
Police have recovered his helmet,trainers, hoodie and mobile phone but are still searching for a green Khaki North Face jacket, grey sweat shorts and a green backpack containing a Lenova laptop.
Yesterday, Fiona Donohoe pleaded with people to allow the police to search their homes, saying "My heart is broken. I am begging people to do this."
Fiona Donohoe at yesterday's PSNI Press Conference (RTÉ News)“I know I'm asking a massive thing but if you knew my Noah, he was the most thoughtful loving darling who does not deserve to be suffering or unfound.
“Please hear my plea, I am speaking for Noah, my baby.
“Please think," she said. "If it was your child I would let them search my home from top to bottom.”
See More: Missing Person, Noah Donohoe, PSNI
