Family of ‘bright’ teen, 14, missing for WEEKS ‘concerned’ as mum issues plea amid river search after bike found

Meath Civil Defence also issued an update on the search effort

THE mum of a teenager who has been missing for over two weeks has rushed to Ireland and issued an urgent plea for help finding him.

Benjamin Spot, 14, from Navan, Co Meath, was last seen cycling from the Market Square towards Kentstown Road or the Ramparts area of Navan at around 5.55pm on November 19.

His bike was found at the Ramparts the following day.

The fourteen-year-old is described as being approximately 5 foot 1 inches in height, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Mum Retna Molnarova has rushed to Ireland from her home in Slovakia to support the search.

She told The Irish Times she did not think that the teen had caused himself harm or had fallen into the River Boyne.

Molnarova believes that the fourteen-year-old is still alive and might be staying with someone outside of Navan.

She said: “My son is a bright boy, he is really smart and he has good friends.”

Spot’s mum said she believed someone has information about where he is and she urged them to come forwards.

She also urged anyone with CCTV footage in the area, such as shopkeepers, to share it with gardai.

She said: “Someone must have some camera [footage] of where he went.

“Nobody is going to be in any trouble. We all love Benjamin and we just want him back.”

Gardai, Meath River Rescue and the Civil Defence Force have scoured the River Boyne and the surrounding area without success.

A cop helicopter was called in to assist in the search and drones, boats and dog units have combed the area.

The Meath Civil Defence Force said on Sunday: “Our search today for missing teenager Benjamin Spot has concluded without success.

“We had two boat teams involved, one with sonar equipment and one with our search dog.

“Thank you to everyone who volunteered today. The search continues tomorrow.”

Meath River Rescue also thanked “everyone who is helping out in every way possible” yesterday.

A Garda spokesperson said they and Benjamin’s family are “concerned” for his well-being.

They called on anyone with information about Spot’s whereabouts to contact Navan Garda Station on 046 9036100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.