A search party was deployed this morning near the Manchester High School on Perth Road, as efforts intensify to locate missing grade seven student, Jayden Smith.

The 12-year-old of Whales District, Newport in the parish, disappeared on Friday September 26.

He is of dark complexion, slim build and about 5 feet tall.

Police say that at about 6:15 A.M., Jayden was last seen at home wearing a khaki uniform and a pair of brown shoes.

Speaking to the media this morning, the child’s aunt, Ann-Marie Thompson, noted that his disappearance has taken a mental toll on the family.

Ms. Thompson said she is hoping to find her nephew alive.

She is calling on persons who have information on Jayden’s whereabouts to speak up.

She is also appealing to the public to refrain from making negative comments, as the family deals with Jayden’s disappearance.