'Imagine how afraid he is': Family of missing 11-year-old Gannon Stauch pleads for information

Neighbour claims security camera footage shows boy getting into truck with stepmother before disappearance

More than a week after his disappearance, relatives of a missing 11-year-old boy in Colorado says they are not giving up hope for his safe return, as recently released surveillance footage reportedly shows the boy getting into a car with his stepmother the day he went missing.

In a video message released on Wednesday, Gannon Stauch's mother Landen Hiott said she's "not giving up hope" that the family's plea for information that could lead to his return.

"A kid doesn't just disappear and no one sees him", she said, holding back tears. "If you have any information -- if you're afraid, imagine how afraid he is. Imagine how afraid Gannon is."

The El Paso County Sheriff's Department has not confirmed footage shared with local news outlets that appears to show Gannon getting into a red truck with his stepmother Leticia Stauch leaving her home near Colorado Springs on 27 January, the day of his disappearance.

According to the neighbour who shared the footage, the video shows the truck leaving around 10.13am and returning hours later around 2.19pm without Gannon.

Law enforcement officials in El Paso County have urged residents to review their home surveillance footage for any possible sightings of Gannon.

In the video statement, the boy's father Albert Staunch told the community: "Your thoughts, your prayers, your messages, keep them coming ... That's given us the strength to get through this."

Known as his sister's "big Bubba", Gannon was last seen between 3.15pm and 4pm on 27 January at his stepmother's home in Security, Colorado. According to the sheriff's office, his stepmother explained that Gannon left the house on foot to play with his friends down the street.

(El Paso County Sheriff's Office) (El Paso County Sheriff's Office)

He was last seen wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans and tennis shoes. Police initially reported his disappearance as a runaway.

The office would not comment on the neighbour's video but confirmed it's in the possession of law enforcement and could become a "big part of the investigation". The office warned that "any information that is prematurely released and is not directly from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office is not a credible source".

Police say they have committed more than 2,400 hours to his case.

In the family's video statement on Wednesday, Ms Hitt said Gannon is a happy child who's "full of life" who loves sports, playing with his friends and sister, and telling corny jokes to his mother.

She said: "This week has been awful. It's been more than a roller coaster ride. ... I'm afraid. I'm afraid that I'll never hear his voice, that I'll never hear him run and say, 'Mommy!'"

Gannon's father Albert said Gannon was born at just 1 pound 6 ounces.

"Even today he's our miracle child", he said. "He's such a happy child. He just brings life to every part of you. ... His infectious smile brings me joy every time I think about it."

His sister Laina ends the message, saying, "I love you, Bubba.