"Hope Is There": Police Receive Tip-Off as to Where 8-Year-Old Fabian Could Be Heading

There has been no trace of eight-year-old Fabian from Güstrow since Friday. The boy had left his mother's house with permission - but he never came back. Since then, a major operation has been underway that has moved people throughout Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The boy's mother released a moving video (below).

More than 100 emergency services are involved: Police, fire department, dog squads and even students from the University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration, Police and Administration of Justice are supporting the search. Helicopters and drones are flying over the area around Güstrow, while sniffer dogs are searching wooded areas and bodies of water. A particularly intensive search is being carried out near Zehna - a dog had picked up a scent there, but it got lost in the forest.

Fabian is about 1.44 meters tall, has blond hair and blue eyes. When he disappeared, he was probably wearing jogging pants, a sweater and dark sneakers with a light blue back. The police are urging people not to start private searches in the forest so as not to destroy any possible traces.

A race against time

The nights are chilly, with temperatures recently dropping to seven degrees. If Fabian is actually outside, that would be a serious burden for a child of his age. Nevertheless, the police emphasize that they are still hoping for a happy ending. "The hope is there," said a spokesperson. Similar cases have shown that you should never give up the search too early. There are no indications of a crime so far - but they don't want to rule anything out. "That would be negligent."

Because Fabian left his cell phone at home, the investigators were unable to locate the device. The mobile phone provider was also unable to provide any helpful information. The criminal investigation department is currently questioning teachers, friends and neighbors to find possible clues.

Waters, forests, empty houses

The search measures were extended again on Monday morning. Boats are searching surrounding lakes and rivers, while additional dog teams and task forces have been deployed to Güstrow. Empty buildings are also being checked. "We are turning over every stone," explained a police spokeswoman.

So far there are no leads. Particularly tragic: sniffer dogs first led the investigators to the bus station in Güstrow, then to a bus stop near Zehna - but the trail was lost there. The scenario that Fabian could have lost his way caused the helpers great concern.

A mother in fear

While emergency services searched tirelessly, Fabian's mother addressed the public with moving words. In a short video, she asks her son to come home. Her appeal touched many people, who took to social media to offer their support.

The police have now set up a hotline. Anyone who knows anything can call 0800 5977268. Every tip could be crucial.

There is still hope - and Güstrow will continue to search as long as it exists. Because somewhere out there, many believe, Fabian is waiting to be found.