The headteacher of missing schoolboy Pierre Barnes, 12, has spoken out about his “distress” over the ordeal facing the Barnes family.
Pierre, a pupil of King’s School, went missing on Saturday on the Porquerolles island in the south of France, after heading off alone on a bike ride during a strong storm.
His bicycle and one of his shoes have since been found by search teams.
This afternoon, King’s School headteacher Frank Hedley spoke to the Journal about his fears for the safety of the “popular” boy.
Mr Hedley said: “All of King’s are very distressed by the news of Pierre’s disappearance.
“Pierre has only been at King’s for a term. He is a superb boy, very likeable and very popular with his peers.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Barnes at this acutely distressing time for them.”
Mr Hedley said he has not heard from the family but is keeping informed of the search through the media. He found out about the young boy’s disappearance first thing this morning.
He added: “There must be real hope for this youg man and we are praying the he is safe and well.
“We’ve got to have hope.
“He’s a resilient lad so you never know. King’s boys are tough.”
Pierre lives with his parents and three siblings in Barrowby Road, Grantham.