Remains found of French toddler who went missing last July

Emile went missing near his grandparent's house last summer

According to local reports, the toddler's remains were discovered on Saturday, March 30th.

A walker discovered his body near Vernet in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

The discovery comes months after Emile went missing near his grandparent's house. He had not been seen since July 8th, 2023.

French broadcaster BFMTV confirmed the remains were tested following the harrowing discovery.

Prosecutor Jean-Luc Blachon stated: "On Saturday, the police were told of the discovery of bones near the hamlet of Le Vernet."

Following tests, police confirmed that "they were the bones of the child Emile."

He was staying with his maternal grandparents when he went missing last summer.

Extensive searches took place in the days and weeks following his disappearance, but police admitted they had no idea what happened to the boy.

The toddler was playing outside his grandparents’ home near Le Vernet before he vanished.

Drones, sniffer dogs, and an audio recording of the young boy’s mum’s voice were used during the search. Over 500 people also volunteered to help find Émile.

Emile lived in Marseille but was visiting La Vernet with his maternal grandparents for the summer. The family was preparing to go on a hike before the young boy disappeared. There were reportedly 10 people at the house when he went missing.

We're keeping his loved ones in our thoughts following the devastating discovery.

READ MORE:

• 'Am I entitled to a key to my daughter's bedroom door?'
• Dunnes Stores issues urgent recall for children's swim jacket over possible drowning fears
• 'My toddler prefers my husband and it's breaking my heart'
• Major change to Parent Leave Benefit to be introduced in August