The police in South Limburg are looking for a man for their investigation into nine-year-old Gino van der Straeten, who has been missing since Wednesday evening. The man had been seen on a playground with three other children around the time Gino disappeared. The three children have since been able to speak to the police, but the man has not yet come forward.
The boy may be in life-threatening condition, police said. A national amber alert was therefore issued on Thursday afternoon. Police said earlier in the day that they suspected a crime.
The police are very concerned because no explanation can be found for the disappearance of the boy. He was last seen on Wednesday between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm on the playing field at Hertogenlaan and Zonstraat in Kerkrade. During his disappearance, three children and a man were playing football on that field.
Just after 0:30 a.m. on the night of Wednesday to Thursday, the police received a report of the disappearance. An hour later, a call was placed via Burgernet to watch Gino. A description of the child was also shared. According to his sister, the boy had a black scooter with red handles and a red footboard. He is 1.30 meters tall and has blond hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was also wearing a red Nike Jordan jacket with black sleeves, a red Nike cap, light gray jeans and green shoes with a white sole.
In addition to the Netherlands, the German police have also been informed about Gino’s disappearance. Kerkrade is located on the German border.