A TEENAGE boy has been found in Dumbarton after “escaping from human traffickers”.

At a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council’s community planning management board last week, Chief Superintendent Grant Manders said the 16-year-old had been found “cowering in the bushes” on a footpath near to Overtoun House, revealed the Dumbarton Reporter.

A member of the public made the discovery on Monday, January 16, and quickly alerted police.

The youngster was treated for a minor leg injury and now is in the care of the council’s social work department.

The Vietnamese native is believed to have been taken from his country to Russia before being brought to the area. However, it is not yet known where his captors intended to take him.

Chief Supt Manders said: “A young Vietnamese boy – 16 years old – came into our care having been trafficked from Vietnam to Russia.

“Smashing wee boy escaped his traffickers up in West Dunbartonshire and was found cowering in the bushes having escaped from wherever he might have been going,” he added.

Jackie Irvine, head of children’s health, care and criminal justice, added: “He was moved to carers on Monday, January 23.”

The boy is believed to have escaped from a vehicle and ran for approximately an hour from the site of his escape before being found.

Detectives are now working around the clock to determine the circumstances surrounding his discovery but have said their first concern is for the child’s well being.

Detective Constable Andy Docherty said: “He was found in quite a distressed state.

“We quickly established that he was of Vietnamese origin and he stated that he was subject to a human trafficking. His welfare is paramount.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

Police are urging anyone who may have information on the incident to contact local police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 for anonymity.