Sister tells of heartbreak over brother who disappeared 50 years ago aged three

The sister of a three-year-old who disappeared 50 years ago have said it is “beyond heartbreaking” not to know what happened to him, as police released an image of how he might look today.

Sandy Davidson went missing from his grandmother’s garden in the Bourtreehill area of Irvine, North Ayrshire, on April 23, 1976.

It is thought Sandy, who was playing with his then two-year-old sister Donna, may have left the garden to follow the family dog.

On the 50th anniversary of his disappearance, Police Scotland have released an image prepared by their forensic services department showing what Sandy might look like now, as the search for answers continues.

His sister urged anyone with information to come forward.

“It is hard after 50 years and distressing that I still don’t know what happened to my brother,” she said.

“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.”

Extensive searches were carried out following Sandy’s disappearance but no trace of him was found.

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.”