Adults have been in contact with a vulnerable missing child, the Government said today.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs issued a statement warning the public that it is a crime to house or contribute to the delinquency of a child.

A spokeswoman said: “It would appear there a number of adults who have been in contact with, or know the whereabouts of, a vulnerable minor who remains missing.”

The minor in question was not identified.

The spokeswoman added: “In cases where appropriate and where family members present themselves as willing to assume the care of children lawfully removed [from] the care and custody of their parents, these family members may be assessed for placement suitability rather than have the child placed in Government’s group homes or traditional foster care.

“Many children, despite the risk to their safety, still crave to be with their parents.

“While understandable, it is important that the physical, psychological and sexual safety of children remain paramount.”