Relief for family as cousins are found (From The Advertiser Series)

Relief for family as cousins are found

5:43pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Lizzie Anderson

A RELIEVED mother whose teenage son and nephew disappeared on Sunday night has thanked the police and community for helping to find them.

Cousins Kieran Miller, 15, and Thomas Miller, 14, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, were found in the Spennymoor area on Wednesday night following an extensive search by the police and volunteers.

The teenagers, who both live in Lockyer Close, were last seen going to to bed at 11.15pm on Sunday. They are believed to have left of their own accord and police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

Thomas' parents, Neal and Susanne Miller, said both boys were fine. Mrs Miller said: "I would just like to thank the police and all our friends, family and neighbours for their help. The way the community has come together has been absolutely brilliant - everyone really rallied round.

"We found them in the end and now they are back home, safe and sound."

News of their disappearance sparked a community campaign to help the police with their search.

Dozens of volunteers gave up their time to scour the area, posters were circulated and a Facebook group was set up to co-ordinate efforts. Yesterday morning, the boys' cousin Clare Singleton said:

"So glad thatmy cousins have been found safe and well - just hungry and tired.

"They are back where they belong now with their loving family who can now get over this nightmare.

"I also want to say a really big thank-you to everyone who has helped in the search and for the messages of support.

"Thanks again. It really means a lot to us all."