Fears held for boy, 12, missing in storms on French island

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9638986/Porquerolles-fears-held-for-boy-12-missing-in-storms-on-French-island.html

The boy, named locally as Pierre Barnes, had been on a half-term break with his family on the island of Porquerolles, south of the French Riveria, in the Mediterranean.

Authorities today held grave fears for the safety of the boy, who is believed to be from the Midlands, after he went missing during a storm described as one of the worst in the past decade.

Extreme weather conditions including gale forced winds and torrential have rain battered the area in recent days, causing widespread destruction and left at least two people dead.

The boy, believed to be the youngest of four children, was reported missing by his worried parents last night after he failed to return from a bike ride alone.

His damaged bicycle was found near a coastal path close to the sea on the island, which is situated within sight off the French mainland.