Gillingham footballer Gabriel Zakuani reveals his missing 11-year-old son has been found safe and well in London as he thanks public for their help ‘from the bottom of my heart’
- Ex-Fulham defender revealed son Ajae last seen leaving school for bus stop
- Boy last seen in his school uniform and disappearance ‘totally out of character’
- Zakuani, 32, took to Twitter to ask 40,000 followers to help find first-born son
- Police have now confirmed the youngster has been found safe and well
Little Ajae Blackwood-Petrie, the son of footballer Gabriel Zakuani, has been found
The 11-year-old son of an ex-Premier League footballer who went missing yesterday has been found safe and well.
Former Fulham defender Gabriel Zakuani, 32, launched a desperate appeal today, saying little Ajae Blackwood-Petrie had last been seen in his school uniform on Wednesday afternoon in Epsom, Surrey.
The 32-year-old, who now captains Gillingham FC, said his disappearance was ‘totally out of character’.
‘My 11 year old boy is missing and hasn’t been seen since he left school yesterday on his way to the bus stop, anyone with any kind of information please contact Surrey Police or Met Police. Please share. Really appreciate it,’ Zakuani, 32, wrote on Twitter.
Surrey Police today confirmed Ajae had been found on the Isle of Dogs, east London.
The force tweeted: ‘Great News! The 11-year-old missing from Epsom since yesterday has been found. We’re so grateful to everyone who shared our appeal.’
Zakuani also later tweeted his relief, saying: ‘Seriously can’t thank you all enough! I’m relieved he’s been found in London. Seriously hope I never go through that again! Once again, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, I’m so grateful.’
Former Fulham defender Gabriel Zakuani (pictured alongside Ajae, left) issued a desperate plea on Twitter today, before the youngster was found
Zakuani later tweeted his relief to say that his 11-year-old son had been found safe and well
The Congolese international was part of Fulham’s Premier League squad between 2006 and 2009.
He went on to play for Northampton Town and Peterborough United – who both have aided the appeal with heartfelt Facebook posts.
‘Ajae Blackwood-Petrie was reported missing yesterday after he failed to return home from school. He was last seen at approximately 3.45pm yesterday,’ a Surrey Police spokesman said earlier today.
Detective Inspector Oana King, of the Safeguarding Investigation Unit said the child ‘is likely travelling by bus or train’.
‘This is out of character for Ajae, and we are growing increasingly concerned for his safety.’
The Congolese international (pictured playing for new club Gillingham) was part of Fulham’s Premier League squad between 2006 and 2009