Allen, the five-year-old boy who disappeared Friday night from a campsite in Latte, Ventimiglia, has been found alive. Rescuers carried the child out to the applause of a small crowd gathered in Latte’s town square awaiting news. Many were moved by the news of his discovery and his good health. Initial reports indicate he was found on a hillside behind Latte.
Allen was transferred to Imperia Hospital for examinations. A statement from the local health authority (ASL) confirmed: “Following an initial medical examination, he is in good condition.”
The child’s father, visibly emotional, expressed his gratitude: “Thank you to everyone, it went very, very well. Thank you, I thank you, thanks.” Allen was found by a Civil Protection team approximately 3 kilometers away in a wooded area. After embracing his son in the rescue vehicle, the father accompanied him in an ambulance escorted by Carabinieri police to the hospital.
“He was found around 9 o’clock this morning. They called us immediately,” recounted Alessandro Giribaldi, deputy commander of the Fire Brigade. The discovery was made by the ‘Pompeiana’ Civil Protection team working alongside approximately 300 personnel. “There was a massive deployment of forces,” Giribaldi added. Allen “was found in an impervious area, near a pylon. We notified the parents immediately, it was a huge emotion,” especially during the reunion with his mother who “cried for a long time.” Rescuers prioritized protecting the child from the commotion and arranged medical transport.
“We are happy that the child is safe and sound and in good condition. It went well,” said Colonel Simone Martano, provincial commander of the Imperia Carabinieri. When found, “Allen was apparently calm. But what matters is that he is well.”
Official Reactions:**
**Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni:** “The discovery of little Allen, missing since last Friday, is wonderful news that fills us with joy. Thank you to all the rescuers who, with their tireless work, have returned the child to his family’s arms.”
**Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi:** He praised the “exemplary” rescue operation coordinated by the Prefecture. “The tireless commitment of law enforcement, the Fire Brigade, rescue services, and volunteers represents a concrete example of how the State, in the most critical moments, is capable of mobilizing in a cohesive and effective manner… Today we experience a day that restores faith in institutions and hope to the entire community.”
**Imperia Prefect Valerio Massimo Romeo** (who coordinated the search): Prefect Romeo revealed that, based on advice from psychologist Roberto Ravera consulted to understand the behaviour and potential hiding places of a child with autism, he ordered the inspection of all tunnels and cavities in the area up to the motorway. “Last night they worked on this and today, finally, the place was found where the child, who is alive and well although a bit tired, had taken shelter.” It’s understood Allen had hidden in a cavity, likely within a repeater station near the motorway. Ravera advised that fearing noises, the child would likely seek a secure hiding spot like a tunnel. Romeo expressed gratitude to all involved forces, including police, firefighters, mountain rescue, volunteers, dog units, and the harbour office for their relentless work over days and nights.
Allen remains under medical observation at Imperia Hospital.