David Fortin, 14, went missing on Tuesday in Alma, Que. (Quebec provincial police) Quebec police are searching for a 14-year-old Alma, Que., boy who they say went missing after he was bullied at school.

David Fortin was last seen on Tuesday at 8 a.m. ET when he left his home to catch his school bus, according to provincial police.

Police spokesperson Jean Tremblay said the boy never boarded the bus.

Police believe the boy might have run away because of the treatment he was getting from some other students at his school.

"He was the target of bullying, in particular by a group of older students," said Tremblay.

The boy attended Camille-Lavoie secondary school, which is part of the Lac-St-Jean school board.

Board director Eric Blackburn said the disappearance has been difficult on some of Fortin's classmates.

"They see the results of intimidation and bullying each time they look at his empty desk," said Blackburn.

Police suspect Fortin might be hitchhiking because witnesses have reported seeing a boy who matches his description in a town 20 kilometres away.

Fortin is tall for his age (173 centimetres), weighs 75 kilograms and has brown eyes and brown hair.

Police are asking anyone with information on the missing boy to call 1-800-659-4264.