A frantic search is taking place for a two-year-old boy who mysteriously disappeared four days ago.
Little Émile disappeared from his grandparent’s garden on 8 July.
The toddler was playing outside in the small village of Le Vernet, Alpes de Haute-Provence, France – which has a population of just 125.
The garden was not fenced.
The National Gendarmerie described the youngster as blonde with brown eyes and around 90cm tall.
When he disappeared he was wearing a yellow T-shirt and white shorts with a green pattern.
Along with the local authorities, numerous volunteers are helping with the search operation.
One volunteer told local media on 10 July: “It’s so strange that we still haven’t found anything.”
Another said: “We told ourselves it was a kidnapping, it couldn’t be any other way.
“And we started to think that it would be the best chance of finding him alive.”
A resident from La Seyne Village, about six miles away, claimed: “And the possibility of a wolf?
“There are many in the region.”
Several hundred wolves are believed to live in the wild in the area.
As well as the theories of abduction or a wolf attack, locals suggested the toddler may have been struck by a hit-and-run driver.
A volunteer said: “I think he may have been hit by a car, and then the driver tried to hide the body.”
The search operation continues.
One local said: “I was there today until 8pm. A lot of volunteers are involved in the search.
“The investigation is ongoing, nothing more can be done.”
Lena commented: “May we find him safe and sound!”
Kalina wrote: “Maybe the kid ran into a crazy guy?
“He’s a two-year-old baby. Summertime is hot.”
Vivi replied: “I hope not and that he will be found soon.
“Poor kid, he must be so scared. Let’s pray for him and his family.”
