Parents of boy, 14, ‘concerned for well-being’ after child missing in Cork wearing school uniform as CCTV image released

Szymon was last seen in the Ballinacurra area of Midleton at 8.30am today
A MISSING person alert has been issued for a child who vanished while wearing his school uniform.

Gardai and the parents of Szymon Zajko, 14, are concerned for his well-being after he was reported missing from his home in Midleton, Co Cork today.

They are seeking the public’s help in tracing his whereabouts.

Szymon was last seen in the Ballinacurra area of Midleton at 8.30am today.

He is around five foot seven inches in height, of slim build, with short brown hair and brown eyes and was wearing his grey school uniform and a grey North Face jacket while carrying a black backpack.

Gardai said in a statement: “Gardai are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Szymon Zajko (14) who was reported missing from his home in Midleton, Co. Cork today, Monday 5th January 2026.

“Szymon was last seen in the Ballinacurra area of Midleton at 8.30am today, Monday 5th January 2026.

“Szymon is described as being approximately 5 feet 7 inches in height, of slim build with short brown hair and brown eyes.

“When last seen Szymon was wearing a grey school uniform, a grey North Face jacket and carrying a black backpack.

“Gardai and Szymon’s parents are concerned for his well-being.

“Anyone with information on Szymon’s whereabouts is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station on (021) 4621550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”