Police step up hunt for missing boy

Police today stepped up their search for a three-year-old boy who has been missing for nine days after he was taken by his father.

Nathan Williams, originally from Luton but who recently moved to Isleworth in London with his mother, was taken by his father last Tuesday, Bedfordshire Police said.

His 27-year-old father, also called Nathan Williams, of Thricknells Close in Luton, has not been in contact since.

Bedfordshire Police today said they are becoming increasingly concerned as Mr Williams took his son against the mother's wishes.

A spokeswoman said they are now stepping up their investigation and have released the picture of Nathan Williams senior, and appealing for him, or anyone who has seen either father or son or knows of their whereabouts to contact them.

A picture of Nathan Williams junior was released on Monday.

His father is described as mixed race, 5ft 11ins with muscular build, cropped black hair and brown eyes. He speaks with a southern accent and usually has stubble on his chin.

Detective Inspector Martin Peters, who is leading the search, said: "Clearly Nathan's mum and family are extremely anxious as they have not seen Nathan for over a week.

"Officers are working around the clock to locate Nathan and his son but we do need the public to help.

"We know that Nathan senior has contacts in Luton, Bedford and Northamptonshire so we would urge anyone who is out and about to keep their eyes open and contact the police immediately if they see anyone matching their descriptions."