A world-wide hunt has been launched for a ten-year-old robberwho failed to appear before a youth court.

Police believe the Banbury boy, who admitted robbing a youngster of his £12 watch, may be in the United States with a relative.

Police officers are currently checking family contacts and friends to see if he is still in the country.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted the robbery charge when he appeared before Banbury Youth Court on February 9.

But the boy, who also admitted using threatening and abusive behaviour on August 30 failed to reappear in court yesterday (TUES).

He was due to show up for the 10am hearing but never arrived.

Thames Valley police spokes- man David Campbell said: "Police inquiries will be made with family, friends and other contacts. The search will extend to other parts of Britain - and abroad, if necessary. "At this stage police do not know where he is and will be checking a variety of possibilities."

The boy had been staying at a voluntary care home in the Oxford area before he absconded. Staff at the home were unavailable to comment.

He faces a string of other charges including possessing a pellet gun, attempting to rob a boy of cigarettes and two assault charges, all of which were alleged to have taken place between November 22 and December 17 last year.

No plea was taken on these charges during his initial court appearance.

Story date: Wednesday 24 February

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