‘Not yet, but we need to ask you all some questions. We’ve found out that Leon was planning to meet someone at Normanby Hall on Saturday. A few of you have mentioned that he was on his phone a lot, so that was probably who he was messaging. Now, if any of you can think of anything he might have said to suggest who he was meeting, or where they were from, we need you to tell us.’ Singh paused and looked around at each of the students. ‘We need to make sure Leon is safe, and the longer he’s away from home, the more risk there is for him.’

There was no response from any of the students. Singh looked at each of them again, his hard stare making a couple of them squirm. ‘He was talking to someone called Joe. I know that name means something to at least some of you.’

Kian looked up at Bradley, who shook his head slightly, but the younger brother ignored him. Leon told me a bit about him. The boy he was talking to, he explained.

‘Thank you, Kian,’ Singh said, then looked at Sasha. ‘Do you think we can talk to Kian in private?’

She nodded and looked at the others. Put the TV on for a bit. Kian, can you come into the library and tell us a bit more?

Kian looked up at his brother again then back at the detectives. Can Bradley come too?

‘Yes, if you want.’ Singh probably realised Kian would feel safer with his brother present, and would therefore be more likely to open up to him.

All five of us moved next door, and once we were all seated Singh looked at Kian.

‘What did Leon tell you about the person he was talking to online?’

His hands shaking slightly, Kian signed, He told me he was at school in Scunthorpe, he was sixteen, and he hadn’t told anyone else he was gay. He liked Leon’s pictures, and he sent him some too.

‘Did you see any of these pictures?’

Kian shook his head. Leon said it wasn’t fair on Joe, showing me his pictures without permission.

‘Did Leon tell you his name?’

Yes, I knew he was called Joe.

Singh nodded, conveying to Kian that he was pleased the boy had told the truth. ‘What about any other details, like what school Joe went to?’ he asked.

Kian shook his head. I don’t know. Leon said Joe could sign because there were deaf kids at his school.

Sasha looked concerned, and I could tell she was trying hard not to ask some questions of her own. Singh tapped his fingers on his knee for a moment before he asked his next question.

‘Did Leon tell you he was going to try and meet this boy on Saturday?’