Mikaeel Kular: How The Police Operation Works Officers examine the demographics of the area surrounding the missing child's home and the dynamics of his family. The police search will focus on the immediate area surrounding Mikaeel Kular's home in Ferry Gait Crescent. Former Chief Superintendent Chris Gregg of West Yorkshire Police told Sky News: "Where could this child be? If the child has wandered away where could he be - this will be the focus. Has the child done anything like this before? "The investigation will just be kicking in but speed is of the essence. They've got to try and find the child as quickly as they possibly can. "We've seen too many cases in the past where a delay has caused really serious consequences. We'll be looking at the demographics of the area." Figures from the police in Scotland say half of one to four-year-olds who go missing are found in the time between the 999 call and the arrival of the police. Some 99% are found within three hours. Officers will also examine the dynamics of the family to see if anything like this has happened before, said Chief Supt Gregg. He said: "We don't know the full circumstances yet. A senior officer will be putting many things in place very quickly." Police Scotland Superintendent Liz McAinsh, who is part of the investigation, said: "The focus is on speaking with members of the family and on searching the local area. We usually will start in the immediate vicinity, which is the family home and then spread out." Mikaeel Kular was last seen going to bed at home at 9pm last night but when his mother went to find him at around 7.45am, the little boy was missing.

• published: 16 Jan 2014
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