Police today issued an urgent appeal to trace a 10-year-old boy suffering from a potentially fatal illness after he ran away from home in the early hours.
Malakhi Chijiutomi-Ghosh, who requires medication three times a day for a rare genetic disorder, ran away from his home in Thornton Heath at around 6am this morning.
The 10-year-old suffers from the condition Adrenal Hyperplasia and police say that unless he receives his medication he could die.
Police have confirmed he was seen waiting at a bus stop in Streatham Common at 8am. Investigators said he may have boarded a number 250 bus towards Brixton.
This afternoon police focused their search to a number of parks in the area and police tape was seen surrounding woodland area in Grangewood Park, South Norwood.
The boy is described as 4ft 7ins tall, of slim build with short black curly hair. He is thought to be wearing a dark blue coat with fur on the hood with black jeans and black trainers.
He has connections to Thornton Heath, Victoria and Croydon areas and may be travelling on public transport.
Chief Superintendent Andy Tarrant urged anybody who may have seen him to come forward.
He said: "He is going to be more difficult to trace if he slips into a coma, as well as the weather conditions, and everything else it is really urgent we do trace him and find him."
"It is totally out of character for him to do this. Our priority is to find him and check on his welfare and safety, he is very vulnerable.
"His family are desperate, it is totally out of character they are really worried about him."
He said police are searching in the Thornton Heath area, but he is a fan of trains and has possibly travelled further away.
Congential hyperplasia occurs when the adrenal gland is larger than usual. It means the body is missing a chemical substance which stimulates the adrenal glands to release the cortisol hormone.
People with the condition are less able to cope with stress and it can be life-threatening.
It makes the level of male hormones increase, causing puberty to appear early in boys.
Symptoms include heart rhythm abnormalities, dehydration and vomiting.
Anyone who has information on Malikhi’s whereabouts should contact Croydon Police immediately by dialling 101.
