Scottish police appeal for information about 15-year-old boy - thought to be in NI - missing for FIVE months

A Facebook post from Dumfries Galloway Police Division says the youngster was last seen on September 22.

He is believed to be in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

The post says: "Police Scotland continues to seek the public's assistance in tracing a 15-year-old youth, reported missing from Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland.

"Maraj Karimi (15) was last seen on Sunday, 22 September, 2019, in the Newton Stewart area.

"He is Afghan, around 5 ft 4 ins tall, of slim build and has short black hair.

"When last seen, he was wearing a pink/red and white polo shirt and a black bomber style jacket."

Sergeant Murray Richardson said: "It's been almost five months since Maraj was reported missing.

"Police continue to carry out extensive enquiries and we're working with other law enforcement agencies to trace him.

"We believe he travelled to Belfast in Northern Ireland by ferry around 6am on 22 September and thereafter, potentially to the Dublin area via train.

"We believe he has relatives in the Cork area and it's possible he may have travelled into the Republic of Ireland in order to reunite with his family.

"We are seeking any information which could assist us in locating Maraj to ensure he is safe and well."

If anyone has seen Maraj or has any information on his whereabouts, please call police in Dumfries, Scotland, via 101, quoting incident number 2608 of 22 September, 2019.