Police divers called in search for schoolboy who vanished near river

Police divers have been seen searching a river after a 13-year-old boy vanished last night.

Mylo Capilla was last seen at around 9pm Thursday night, near Ingleby Barwick, near Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, wearing a dark t-shirt and trousers.

Mylo is believed to have gone with his friend to the river near to Ramsey Gardens, known locally as the 'muddies', and entered the water. 

A major search operation was launched as five ambulances, a specialist Water Rescue Unit, mountain rescue crews, police officers and search dogs rushed to the scene at Ramsey Gardens yesterday evening. 

The housing estate, near the River Tees, has since been cordoned off as they continue to search for the young boy into the early hours of this morning. 

Today, police divers have been seen searching the river. 

Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland said: 'Since the report at 9pm last night (Thursday 26 June 2025), officers have been conducting extensive searches throughout the night to try and find Mylo.

'These searches are continuing this morning with specialist teams including the police drone and dogs alongside support from Cleveland Fire Brigade, National Police Air Service, marine water and mountain rescue.

'This is understandably hugely distressing for Mylo's family, friends and the wider community.

'While I know members of the public want to help, I would ask you not to search near the river for your own safety and to allow specialist teams to conduct this work in their profession

'Instead, can I please ask you to speak directly to an officer at the scene.

'We are doing all we can to find Mylo and I would ask anyone who has information to please get in touch by calling 101.' 

Mylo's father Dan Capilla, 43, says he feels 'numb' and 'helpless' as a large-scale hunt for his son continues.

He was alerted to the 13-year-old's disappearance shortly after 9pm on Thursday, June 26, after Mylo's mum - who he is separated from - raised the alarm. 

'I feel numb, I feel helpess,' he told Teesside Live. 'I've just been walking around again there searching - I just don't know what to do.'

Dan, a design engineer, said he last saw Mylo at 4pm on Thursday when he called into his dad's Ingleby home with his pal just to say hello. 

Dan, who grew up in Stockton and attended Grangefield School, said: 'He just called in to say hi with his friend while they were playing out. He gave me a big hug and said 'love you' and was playing with the dog. Then he left.'

It was five hours later that Dan got the call that Mylo, who has lived in Ingleby all of this life, was missing. He said: 'I was completely shocked. I just kept, and keep, tearing up.'

Dan, who lives in Buckland Close with his finance manager partner Kat Urban, 39, said: 'I didn't sleep at all last night and we were just out searching, driving around in the car, taking turns because we wanted someone in the house in case he came back.

'The emergency services have been amazing, and the response from members of the public, with the amount of people searching is unbelievable. The streets were full of people. We thank you, and appreciate you so much.'

Dan has been told by police that the search continued into the early hours of the morning, with a refreshed focus from 7am in daylight. 'They said they'll contact me and family when there's any news,' he said.

Dan reiterated the police appeal and urged people who may have seen Mylo to get in touch with the force.

'Mylo is just a really loving, caring boy,' Dan said. 'He's always happy and wants to make people laugh. He would never just go missing or hide - this is completely out of character.'  

Last night, Police have urged members of the public helping to locate Mylo to avoid the river, and to scour the streets in pairs instead. 

Speaking to Teesside Live, a local said there were dozens of residents tirelessly searching for the 13-year-old boy.  

'You can see them all in groups of like five or six. There's men and women, some of them are in their dressing gowns,' they said. 

Speaking last night, a Cleveland Police spokesperson said: 'Officers are appealing for information that will help them find Mylo Capilla who has been reported missing.

'The 13-year-old boy was last seen at 9pm on Thursday 26 June at the 'Muddies' on Ramsey Gardens in Ingleby Barwick.

'Mylo is believed to be wearing a dark t-shirt and dark bottoms.'

They added: 'While searches are ongoing, officers are reminding members of the public in the area to liaise with them directly and for their own safety not to enter any water.'

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We are currently on-scene at an on-going incident in Ingleby Barwick in Stockton. 

'We received the call at 21:29 and currently have one ambulance crew, one duty officer and three crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) on scene and we are being supported by our colleagues at the police and fire services.' 

A Tees River Rescue spokesperson said: 'Our crews were called out at around 9.15pm on June 26 2025, to assist with searches along the river Tees. 

'We would like to reiterate to any public who may be assisting with the search do not enter the water and do not get too close to steep banks.

'We deployed 2 boats and our welfare vehicle with 8 volunteers in total, we will continue to provide support as requested. We will provide no further details.'