A frantic search ended with tears of joy when the three runaway Dundee Junior School 12-year-olds were found safe and sound at around 8pm last night.

The boys  Chad Nel (whose dad is a dedicated police officer in Dundee), Duane Machill and Adrian van der Walt, went missing after school on Tuesday after failing to at their usual pick-up point outside the school at around 1.30m to 2pm.

Later, their school bags and a note  – allegedly claiming they are  ‘running away’ – was found in a school toilet.

Witnesses said the boys were last seen near the BMX track near the school.

Later in the afternoon a full scale search was launched with police, parents, teachers and concerned community members who read of the news on the Courier’s website.

The Crime Watch programme in Newcastle was also informed of the missing boys.

Some said the boys were found near the boys’ hostel while others claimed they were near Mpati hill.  More details will be revealed later in the morning.

Whatever the circumstances it was a happy ending to a cold night of worry.  Thanks to all involved in the search!