Missing boy runs away when he’s told off

THE 15-YEAR-OLD Greek Pontian boy who was reported missing by his mother on Wednesday goes AWOL at least once a month, police said yesterday.

Costas Hafisides is a familiar face to Nicosia CID officers as he frequently leaves home for several days at time. The boy eventually turns up of his own volition, police said.

“It seems he gets really scared easily and just takes up and leaves. If something happens at home or at school, if he’s told off, he just runs away,” said a CID officer, who wished to remain unnamed.

The officer said the Social Welfare Services had been informed of the situation.

“He usually turns up after a day or two. Once we start searching for him and talking to his friends and word gets out we’re looking for him he goes home,” he said.

The officer said the teen usually stayed with friends or out on the streets, including school yards and the roofs of apartment blocks.

“I don’t know what makes him run away. When we’ve spoken to him he has never mentioned trouble at home or being beaten or anything like. There doesn’t seem to be any sign of abuse. It’s just he gets afraid when something happens and he leaves,” he said.

Hafisides was described by the policeman as a “good boy” who didn’t bother police in any other way other than his habit of leaving home.

“He’s never been in any trouble with us before. He’s only young. Normally he goes missing for one or two days. He’ll show up soon,” he said.

The schoolboy was reported missing by his mother Elena Kosmidou who told police her son had left their Nicosia home at around 3.15pm on Wednesday and never returned.

Police said the 15-year-old was of average height with a small frame and short black hair. In his left ear he wears an earring. At the time of his disappearance the teen was wearing black jeans, a yellow t-shirt with black stripes and trainers.

If anyone has any information regarding his whereabouts please contact Nicosia CID, the nearest police station or the Citizen’s Line on 1460.

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