By Cheryl Wood

POLICE DIVERS hunting for a missing 10-year-old boy in Fife recovered a body from the River Leven late yesterday afternoon.

Steven Henderson, from Methil, had been playing near the river at an area of the town known locally as the Dam and was reported missing around 10pm on Saturday.

Fife police said the body—recovered by Central Scotland police diving team around 4pm—had been found downstream of a sewage pipe where the schoolboy was last seen.

Inquiries were continuing into his disappearance ahead of the formal identification of the body, due to take place this morning.

However Chief Superintendent Andrew Laing said, “There is nothing at this point to indicate this is anything other than a tragic accident.”

Steven’s mother Lynda Clark (35) and his step-father David (53) were too distressed to speak to the press last night.

His natural father died of an illness a couple of years ago.

The family—including Steven’s 11-year-old brother and eight-year-old sister—had moved to Methil from Coaltown of Balgonie only a few months ago.

Steven, a pupil of Methil Primary School, failed to return to his home in Willow Bank after going out to play with friends.

He was last seen near the river around 7.30pm and one friend reported seeing him by the water alone.

Dozens of members of the public were among 100 people who took part in the search.

Many of the volunteers were in tears when they learned a body had eventually been recovered from the river.

Police had launched an overnight search, with officers scouring the surrounding woodland on foot and using a helicopter.

They were assisted by teams from the RAF and Fife Fire and Rescue Service, who used thermal imaging equipment, and the Coastguard.

Yesterday the search was bolstered by International Rescue, the Search and Rescue Dog Association and Mountain Rescue. Divers entered the river shortly before noon.

Fife Constabulary had also visited several known sex-offenders to rule them out of the inquiry.

Chief Superintendent Laing paid tribute to those who had helped to look for Steven.

He said, “There has been a significant community response.

“I would like to thank the community, neighbouring forces and the International Rescue for their considerable support and assistance in the search.

“This a hugely distressing experience for Steven’s family and we are doing all we can to support them through this difficult time.”

Mr Laing warned children to be very careful around water and stay away from rivers which were running fast and were extremely dangerous as temperatures rose.

Christine May, who is seeking re-election as MSP for the area, was one of the volunteers who had turned out at the Savoy Centre to hunt for Steven but instead learned of the tragic discovery.

She said, “When we heard the news there were many of us in tears. It is just devastating and all our thoughts are with the family.

“The response was excellent. Folk came out at short notice on a Sunday afternoon to help look for him.”

A report is to be submitted to the procurator fiscal.