Police have launched an appeal after two young boys went missing in Central Scotland this evening.
Brandon Iliff, 13 and his eight-year-old brother Bernie went cycling in Tullibody, Clackmannanshire at 6pm but failed to return home.
Family members searched the Redland Road area of Tullibody for the boys before alerting police.
Little Bernie Iliff, 8, hit the front pages of national newspapers several years ago after winning his battle against cancer.
Brandon is described as white and wearing a white t-shirt, blue trousers and trainers with yellow tops.
Bernie is described as white with dirty blond hair. He was wearing a long-sleeved Mario t-shirt, black trousers and blue Spiderman trainers.
An investigation is now under way to establish their whereabouts.
Hundreds of people took to Twitter to raise the alarm reporting a police helicopter searching the region and officers looking through gardens with torches.
Police ask members of the public in #Tullibody to check their sheds, garages where two children might take refuge http://t.co/XikQvrdIDr
— Gerry (@gerryglesga) July 21, 2014
Anyone who can assist in locating the youths is asked to come forward.
Superintendent Matt Richards said, “Given the boys’ young age and the time since they were due to return home we are growing increasingly concerned for their well being.
“Officers are currently conducting various lines of enquiry locally to trace Brandon and Bernie and anyone with information as to their current whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately.
“I would also ask members of the public in the Tullibody area to check their sheds, garages and other outbuildings where two children might take refuge.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.