Police find body after desperate search for missing two-year-old boy

Police have confirmed that a body has been located by divers following a three-day search for missing two-year-old boy Ruben Scott.

Queensland Police confirmed the sad news just before 5pm on Friday, revealing the body, believed to be the missing toddler, was found in a large dam near the family’s Koolatah Station homestead, on the western side of Cape York Peninsula earlier today.

“Our thoughts go out to Ruben’s family, friends and the communities of Maramie and Kowanyama, as well as everyone involved in the search during this difficult time,” a police spokesperson said.

Chief Superintendent of Queensland Police Brian Huxley also expressed his condolences to the family and his gratitude for all involved in the search.

Read more: Heartbroken grandad of missing boy, 2, says family are ‘preparing for the worst’

Just hours before police confirmed the discovery of a body, Ruben’s heartbroken grandfather Noel Scott spoke publicly in an emotional interview.

Wiping away tears, the grandad revealed the family were still holding onto hope that the search teams would locate the toddler but said they were prepared for a terrible outcome, as well as thanking police and those involved in the search for their efforts over the past three days.

“Preparing for the worst at the moment,” a heartbroken Noel said. “Hopefully we can find Ruben today.”

Prior to his emotional interview, Cape Patrol Inspector Mark Henderson had spoken to the family to inform them that the youngster was unlikely to have survived.

Read more: Mum and gran’s pleas to find missing boy, 2, as search suspended overnight

Have you been following this story?