French police have confirmed the discovery of 2-year-old Emile Soleil's skull, nearly nine months after his disappearance in the French Alps.

A large-scale search operation has been launched in the rugged terrain near Le Vernet, involving around 100 police officers, dog teams, forensic experts, and anthropologists.

The local community is deeply affected by the confirmation of Emile's death, which has remained a mystery since he went missing.

Authorities are investigating multiple causes of death, including an accidental fall, involuntary homicide, or murder, as the exact circumstances of Emile's demise remain unknown.