Panic swept across a seaside town today after a false report of a missing child triggered a social media firestorm—only for the boy’s father to clarify that his son had been home safe all along.

The alarming claim, which first circulated on X (formerly Twitter), alleged that a four-year-old boy named Quinton had run off from Sands Lane, prompting a wave of public concern. Within hours, the post had amassed nearly 350,000 views and was shared widely by major media outlets,

But the truth was quite different.

“Quinton is my son and has been home with me the whole time. Can you please delete this now?” the boy’s father wrote on X, pleading for an end to the misinformation.

What Happened?

• Time of Incident: Hoax spread on the morning of 13 May

• Location: Sands Lane, Lowestoft

• Allegation: A four-year-old boy had gone missing

• Reality: Child was safe at home the entire time

How the Fake Story Went Viral

The hoax was fuelled by emotionally charged headlines and unverified claims, tapping into the public’s natural concern for child safety.

A 2023 University of Cambridge study confirmed that fake news travels six times faster than verified content—especially stories involving children or danger.

Father’s Reaction

The father’s rapid response helped quash the hoax:

“Even the police have taken it down,” he added. “I don’t want people to keep panicking when they see this when he is fine.”

His comments suggest local police, believed to be Sussex or Suffolk Constabulary, removed the alert, though no official statement has been released.

Public Confusion & Media Backlash

Social media was flooded with mixed reactions:

“Thank goodness he’s safe—but this is why fact-checking matters!” — X user
“This is unacceptable journalism. Do better.” — Facebook comment

Critics have blasted news outlets for running the story without confirmation. The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) stresses that newsrooms must verify information, particularly in sensitive child-related stories.

The Dangers of Misinformation

Misinformation of this kind isn’t just misleading—it’s dangerous:

• Distracts police resources

• Creates public hysteria

• Emotionally impacts families

According to the NSPCC, false reports can trigger distress, especially among vulnerable families.

How to Avoid Falling for Hoaxes

Experts recommend:

• Check source credibility

• Look for official confirmation (e.g., police websites)

• Pause before sharing emotionally charged stories

The UK Safer Internet Centre encourages users to report misleading posts and learn how to identify “red flags” in viral news.

Final Word: Lessons from the Lowestoft Hoax

This story serves as a stark reminder of the power—and peril—of social media. A single post caused widespread fear before being corrected by the boy’s own father.

We must all do our part in stopping the spread of misinformation. In times of crisis, accuracy is not optional—it’s essential.

Police have since officially  confirmed that the child is safe and well and as been found