LINCOLN, N.H. -- Volunteers continued their search near New Hampshire's Loon Mountain Thursday looking for a 10-year-old Cape Cod boy who's been missing since Monday.

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Jack Harper Reports On Search

Concern is growing for Patric McCarthy, who became separated from his stepbrothers in dense woods near the mountain, and has not been seen since.

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that Wednesday was the third night since Patric disappeared and it was the coldest night since he vanished Monday afternoon.

Searchers were back out on the mountain Thursday after a late night.

"Volunteers searched after midnight on the ground using some infrared equipment. Obviously we did not locate Patric. Therefore, we're back searching today," said police Capt. Marty Garabedian.

Joining the search Thursday were Patric's parents, Margaret and Stephen McCarthy, who were still holding the hope they expressed Wednesday night.

"It's unbelievable what everyone is doing. We just need to thank them again and thanking them and hope everyone will keep helping until we find Patric. You know, our friends and family in Bourne, Mass., and Kingston, Mass. It's just unbelievable and we just need to say thank you and that's all we can say. And pray for Patric. That's all," said Stephen McCarthy.

The temperatures in the mountains were in the 30s Wednesday night, but police said there's still reason to be optimistic.

"From what we understand about Patric's behavior, he's very apt to just go find some shelter and cuddle up. So, he's a smart, intelligent boy. We're hoping that's the scenario and, if so, he got protected from all the elements," said Garabedian.

New Hampshire officials confirmed Thursday that they have conducted background checks on several local residents for various reasons. The checks did not yield any leads or additional information.

Three days into the search, officials still believe the boy's disappearance is a case of a lost child, not a case of foul play.

"We are planning searches this evening. We have several K-9 units coming and other ground searchers and expanding where we've been during the day," said Garabedian.

Among the searchers were people from the McCarthy's hometown of Bourne, Mass.

"They're (a) big part of the town and Stephen has lots of businesses. He's a 10-year-old kid. We've got kids, and it's too sad," said Bourne resident Stephanie White.

Investigators did find a small baseball cap and a sweatshirt Thursday afternoon, but they do not believe they are connected to the case.