KUCHING, April 15 — The body of seven-year-old Andrine Johnnes Anne, who had been earlier reported missing, was found floating in a nearby river at Kampung Bunga Rampai, Jalan Batu Kitang-Bau at 12.15pm today.

Bau district police acting chief ASP Jugah Aleng confirmed the discovery of the body.

"The body was found by rescuers in the river, which is near the deceased’s house,” he said.

Andrine’s body has since been transported to the Bau Hospital morgue for further action.

According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the deceased who was diagnosed as autistic was realised to be missing at 2.30pm by his family members.

He was only reported missing to the authorities at 9.13pm on Friday night.

It is believed that Andrine had snuck out of his house through the back door, which leads to a nearby jungle.

A witness had claimed the victim was bare-footed and was wearing a red T-shirt and diapers when he was last seen.

Efforts to locate the victim was carried out by his family members and villagers within a 2-km radius from the house.

A search and rescue operation was immediately carried out that night and involved rescuers from the Bau fire station and police.

The search was conducted near Andrine’s house and had been postponed at 10.40pm after no clues were found. — Borneo Post Online