POLICE have thanked the search and rescue services for help in a search for a missing nine-year-old boy, who was later found safe and well.

Northumbria Police police received a report the boy was last seen jumping waves on the promenade on the seafront at Seaburn, Sunderland, on Sunday and there was concern he had gone into the sea.

An extensive search and rescue operation was launched with the assistance of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and the National Police Air Service (NPAS). RNLI and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade also attended. The boy was found, on dry land, safe and well a short time later.

Sunderland Chief Inspector Mark Hall said: “This was a fantastic response from all of the services involved who immediately deployed resources to assist us in our search for the missing boy.

“We wanted to take the opportunity to thank them for their support, in particular RNLI, South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade and the Coastguard, who are made up of volunteers and quickly launched a Coastguard Rescue Team, two lifeboats and their search and rescue helicopter.

“Thankfully, the boy was found on dry land a short time later and was safe and well but the quick response meant we had resources in place very quickly.

“There was also a great response from members of the public in the area who went out of their way to help which we’re very grateful for.”