Sister's heartbreak over toddler brother who disappeared in Irvine 50 years ago

The sister of a toddler who disappeared 50 years ago says she “still has no answers” as police launch a new appeal.

Sandy Davidson was three years old when he vanished on April 23, 1976, while playing in the garden at his grandmother’s home in the Bourtreehill area of Irvine.

It is thought Sandy may have left the garden to follow the family dog. Extensive searches were carried out, but no trace of him was found.

Police Scotland’s Forensic Services has created an image of what the toddler may look like today, five decades since he was last seen.

Sandy’s sister Donna has pleaded for decades for anyone with knowledge of what happened to her brother to come forward.

In a statement released via Police Scotland she said: “It is hard after 50 years and distressing that I still don’t know what happened to my brother. To have no answers to what seems like a thousand questions is beyond heartbreaking.

“Sandy is very much in my thoughts, and as a family we are urging anyone who can help to get in touch.”

Detectives are still treating Sandy as a missing person and will assess any new information that comes to light.

Detective inspector Louise White said: “Sandy remains a missing person and our thoughts are very much with his family on this momentous anniversary of his disappearance. It is a very hard time for them.

“Someone must have seen Sandy that day and the answers his family need are out there somewhere. Someone must know something and I would urge them to contact us.

“Even the smallest piece of information could help us find out what happened to Sandy so please get in touch if you can assist.

“Anything new will be thoroughly assessed so contact us on 101 if you have anything to tell us no matter how insignificant you might think your information is.”