GRIM FIND
Body of schoolboy, 16, who vanished four months ago found in woodland as family tell of ‘heartbreak’
Police have confirmed a body found in woodland outside Aberdeen by a member of public on Friday was Liam Smith
THE body of a 16-year-old schoolboy missing since November has been found in woodland, police confirmed today.
A member of the public found the body of Liam Smith in a wooded area in Banchory, near Aberdeen, on Friday.
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Liam's family were notified and now officers have confirmed formal identification has taken place.
In a statement, his devastated mum Alix said the family's hearts are broken.
She said: "While we never gave up hope of finding Liam, we were realistic about the challenges facing us.
HEARTS BROKEN
"Our hearts are broken.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the search for Liam including members of the public who took it upon themselves to help.
"Thank you also to everyone who has left messages of support which have provided us with comfort at extremely difficult times.
"At this most difficult time of all, we would ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with our enormous loss."
LAST SIGHTING
Liam was reported missing on November 17 last year after boarding a bus which was travelling to Banchory.
A major search involving police helicopters and divers was launched in the surrounding area.
Mountain rescue teams were also drafted in to comb the River Dee, while cops appealed for drivers with dashcam footage to come forward in a desperate bit to trace the lad.
He wasn't feeling himself
Family
CCTV footage of the day Liam disappeared showed him buying supplies in Aberdeen's Union Square before boarding the bus.
Police ruled out 139 reported sightings of the missing teen in the weeks which followed his disappearance.
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Liam's family told how the youngster "wasn't feeling himself" before he went missing.
Officers say enquiries are still ongoing and the death is not thought to be suspicious.
A cop spokesperson said: "Police Scotland can confirm that the body found in the Banchory area on Friday March 22, 2019, is that of teenager Liam Smith.
"The 16-year-old was reported missing from his home in Aberdeen on Sunday November 18, 2018.
"Formal identification has taken place and his family are aware."
Tributes flooded in for Liam after a body was found in the search for him.
And local residents spoke of their shock after the grim find at a remote dog walking spot.
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Cops release footage of vast wilderness they are combing in bid to find missing Aberdeen teen Liam Smith
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans (free) on 116123 or 020 7734 2800.