Body of a Child Found During the Search for Fabian (8) in Güstrow

Güstrow (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) - An entire town had been searching for little Fabian for days. Hundreds of emergency services, sniffer dogs, divers and volunteers had hoped to find the eight-year-old boy alive. Now a discovery shocked the helpers and emergency services: a child's body was found in a wooded area near Güstrow.

According to the police, the body was found on Tuesday morning in a remote area south of the town.

Fabian had been reported missing on Friday evening. His mother had raised the alarm after the eight-year-old did not come home as agreed. What followed was a large-scale search operation that lasted day and night. Around 200 emergency services were deployed, supported by volunteers from the surrounding area. The fire department and technical relief organization also took part in the search.

On Monday evening, cadaver sniffer dogs picked up traces at the Inselsee, not far from the edge of the city. Divers searched the shore area on Tuesday - but without success. Nevertheless, no one gave up hope. Until finally a crucial tip came in: a citizen contacted the police after noticing something suspicious in a wooded area.

Investigators discovered the body of a child there shortly afterwards. According to media reports, the body had traces of burns, but the police initially refused to confirm this information. They could not say anything about this at the moment, they told the German Press Agency.

"As things stand at the moment, we assume that it is the missing boy," a spokesperson added . A forensic medical examination should now bring final clarity.

The news has come as a shock to the people of Güstrow. Many had taken part in the search over the past few days, expressing their concern on social media and praying that the boy would be found alive. The uncertainty had kept the town on tenterhooks - now there is deep sadness.

It is still unclear what exactly happened in the hours after Fabian disappeared. Investigators are faced with the difficult task of clarifying the circumstances of his death, should it really be confirmed that the body found is the missing boy . The police are still appealing for information from the public.

Fabian's disappearance on Friday evening shocked many people - and now the question of what really happened remains unanswered.

We reported on the case:

The search for missing eight-year-old Fabian from Güstrow continues - and the desperation grows with each passing day. There has been no trace of the boy since Friday evening. While police and rescue workers continue to search for clues at the Inselsee, new details about the child's life are now becoming known.

According to information from NDR, Fabian is said to have had problems at school. Investigators are looking into whether these difficulties could be linked to his disappearance.

Divers are to search the shore area of the lake again in the coming days. Sniffer dogs and drones have also been used, so far without success. The police emphasize that all possibilities are being considered. A spokesperson told NDR that "neither an accident nor a deliberate escape can be ruled out".

While the emergency services search the lake for traces, there is bewilderment and grief in Güstrow. Many citizens took part in searches, lit candles and shared Fabian's photo on social media. Emotional comments from people who feel for the family pile up under the police and media posts.

One woman writes:

"Please don't. 😔 This is so terrible. I'm a mother myself and the thought alone of having to search for my child for so long. I hope the little angel still arrives home."

Other users expressed similar concerns and prayers. One person wrote: "Dear God, please don't let it be Fabian. 🙏😢" Another added: "I hope so much that he is found alive and not in the water. 🙏🙏🙏"

These words show the deep concern of many people who are following the search. Compassion and hope prevail in the comment columns - the whole region is mourning with the family. Fabian's parents are under enormous emotional pressure. His father in particular, who spoke to RTL.de in an interview, is struggling with despair. The despair is written all over his face.

"I can't rest at all, I feel helpless, abandoned," he says quietly. "I don't even go to bed at night anymore, I stay on the couch, hoping that my son will come through the door any second."

He describes how his everyday life has completely changed since Fabian's disappearance. The family has no sleep, no rest, just fear and uncertainty. "I just want him to come through the door again , " the father continues.

According to NDR, the police are now concentrating more on the area around the Inselsee. Fabian was reportedly last seen there on Friday evening. Divers, drone pilots and a helicopter are supporting the investigation. The area in the direction of the city forest is also being searched again.

According to information from investigators, officials are currently looking into indications that the boy was feeling unwell in the days before his disappearance. "He is said to have had problems at school", according to police sources. It is not yet known exactly what these problems were. A possible connection between these problems and his disappearance is being investigated.

The police are still asking the public for help. Every tip, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial. Witnesses who made conspicuous observations on Friday evening between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the area of the Inselsee or on the railroad embankment are particularly wanted.

Meanwhile, there is quiet hope in Güstrow. Candles and cuddly toys have been placed in front of the town hall. Passers-by stop, fold their hands, some cry. Many parents in the town feel deeply saddened - they know what it means to lose a child or to know that they have been missing for just a few hours.

The police have announced that they will continue the search in the coming days. Divers are to search the water again while emergency services check the surrounding area. The whole of Güstrow is still hoping for a miracle.

As previously reported, 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 large-scale 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 foul play so far - but they don't want to rule anything out. "That would be negligent."

Because Fabian had 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.