Appeal for any new information 48 years after three-year-old Sandy Davidson was reported missing from Irvine

The sister of Sandy Davidson who disappeared in Irvine 48 years ago is appealing to the public to get in touch with Police Scotland if they know anything that could help.

Donna Davidson, then aged two, was with three-year-old Sandy when he disappeared on 23 April, 1976, while playing in the garden of their grandmother’s home in the Bourtreehill area of the town.

Donna was too young to remember what happened that day but she is determined to do what she can to keep his memory alive, including keeping his disappearance in the public eye.

Officers continue to treat Sandy as missing, despite the passage of time, and any new piece of information will be examined.

Donna has released a statement through Police Scotland: “I don’t have any memories of Sandy as I was too young but I still think about him all the time. It is the not knowing that gets to you.

“I am asking anyone who knows what might have happened to Sandy to get in touch with the police. Someone, somewhere knows something.

“It is almost 50 years and sometimes I feel a lot of anger and not a lot of hope. If we, as a family, can just get some answers it would help us come to terms with losing him, even though we know in our hearts that Sandy is unlikely to be alive.

“Please, if you know anything, no matter how small it might be, call the police, let them know. It could make all the difference even after all this time.”

Detective Inspector Ewan Bell said: “Our thoughts are with Sandy’s family. They deserve answers and despite the passage of time our enquiries remain open.

“I too urge anyone who knows anything about what happened to Sandy to get in touch. New information will be assessed by officers.

“If you can help then please call Police Scotland on 101.”