Every parent’s heart skips a beat when they hear these words: “A child has gone missing.”

In Grangetown, Middlesbrough, that fear became real on Sunday afternoon when 7-year-old Laylan Campbell disappeared near Birchington Avenue. Police say the boy was last seen wearing a brown jacket with the letter “R” on the back and black bottoms.

By 5 p.m., officers had launched an urgent search, asking anyone who’s seen Laylan to call immediately. Local families have begun checking parks, gardens, and alleyways, hoping for one thing — to bring him home safe.

“No child just vanishes,” one resident wrote online. “Someone, somewhere, must have seen something.”

Cleveland Police shared a public appeal, reminding everyone that even the smallest clue could make all the difference. The community, shaken and united, is now keeping its lights on — and its eyes open.

As darkness falls over Grangetown, one hope remains steady: that little Laylan will walk through his front door again, safe and smiling.

Because tonight, an entire town is waiting for one small boy to come home.