A 12-year-old boy who triggered a police operation after vanishing has been found safe and well.

Concerns had been mounting for Rhys Wardle, who had left an address on Missenden Grove in Middlesbrough after school on Thursday.

Cleveland Police said an alert was raised after he failed to return home or contact family members.

A spokesman for the force said the disappearance had been "out of character" for Rhys and issued an appeal for anyone who saw the 5ft tall boy to alert officers.

The spokesman said Rhys was found on Friday night in the Middlesbrough area.

He added: "Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal."