Tragic Conclusion to Truancy Spree

UK. MANTHORPE police today recovered the bodies of three schoolchildren from their watery grave. It was noted that the children had failed to respond to class attendance yesterday morning. At which time the Truant Officer, Mr Dullary, was notified.

When questioned by police later why he had not notified the police earlier he is reported to have stated, “Many children have gone on truancy sprees before and these three were no different. We usually find that working initially with parents to help children see the benefit of schooling works well to resolve the matter. We only involve the police if the children are habitual truants who are not responding to the Stay At School program.”

Mr Dullary had notified their parents and undertaken a routine search of the town area for the children as per the Child Truancy Regulations. However, when the children failed to return home yesterday evening their parents reported them missing to the police.

The Police Search and Rescue Team immediately began searching the town area between the school and their homes, as well as likely places where the children may have been playing. The search was called off at 11pm last night and resumed again this morning at first light.

Following several leads from the general public the PSRT concentrated on the area surrounding Misty Lake. Its shady location within Wallace Woods ensures that it can remain frozen during early summer when there are still frosts on the ground. However, the ice is extremely thin and it is not suitable for skating.

When the team reached the lake it was noted that the ice had been broken near the centre of the lake. After several hours police divers made the grisly find of three small bodies. Although it is yet to be confirmed by the coroner, it is presumed that the bodies are those of the three schoolchildren.

A spokesman for the families asked that they be allowed privacy in order to deal with their tragic loss. The headmaster at Manthorpe Primary School, Mr Chops, announced that the school will be holding a memorial assembly next Tuesday and that counselling services were available for any student wishing to avail themselves of them.

Snr Sergeant Peace stated, “This incident highlights the need for everyone to be vigilant on truancy matters. When children are not where they can be supervised they can find themselves in dangerous situations with no help at hand. It is important that anyone noticing unaccompanied children report their sighting to police or the truancy office so that they can be returned to family or school safely.”

Manthorpe Town Council spokesman stated, “Council will conduct an audit on existing signage at Misty Lake to ensure there is sufficient warning on the dangers of thin ice. However, we recommend that no children be allowed to play in this area without adult supervision at any time.”