Ethiopian torch runner disappears in Nottingham

Natneal Yemane carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg between Radcliffe on Trent and Nottingham yesterday. Nottinghamshire Police said the 15-year-old has not been seen since leaving his hotel last night. (PA)

A 15-year-old Ethiopian boy who came to Britain to run with the Olympic torch as part of an international charity programme has gone missing in Nottingham.

Natnael Yemane disappeared from his hotel shortly after completing his section of the relay in Nottinghamshire on Thursday.

Police have launched a search but do not suspect foul play. Officials believe he has family in London.

Officers said he left the Jurys Inn on Waterfront Plaza at around 9.15pm on Thursday and did not return. They were concerned for his well being as his English is limited and he is not “street-wise”.

Natnael is described as black, 5ft 8in tall, and of thin build. He has short cropped hair and was last seen wearing faded dark jeans, a green and yellow camouflage hooded jacket and black trainers with a white stripe.

Twenty torchbearers from Azerbaijan to Zambia were selected through the International Inspiration Programmme, which was set up by Unicef, and ran in two teams on Thursday.

A London 2012 spokesperson said: “A young boy of 15 has gone missing and clearly this is of great concern to us. Everyone is doing all they can to find him and make sure he is safe.”