NORTHUMBRIA Police has extended its thanks to the search and rescue services that assisted in the search for a missing nine year old boy in Sunderland on Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon police received a report the nine year old had gone missing. He had last been seen jumping waves on the promenade on the seafront at Seaburn 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.

RNLI and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade also attended. Members of the public also went out of their way to assist in the search.

Thankfully, 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 and 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 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.” John Pratt, of Tyne and Wear Fire Rescue Service, said: “This was a real community effort that resulted in a very happy ending.”

HM Coastguard Senior Coastal Operations Officer Adam Turner said: “This was the best result we could have hoped for. This was a great example of the emergency services joining forces and working alongside each other to find the missing boy.

"The successful outcome is testament to the dedicated training that all our emergency services’ crews undertake for when the call comes in. The last place that boy was seen was wave dodging on the sea front, luckily he did not end up in the water.

"Crashing waves, while fun to watch, can be unpredictable and very dangerous, especially if you are swept off your feet. Remember if you see anyone in danger on the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Steve Jones, assistant operations director for the National Police Air Service, said: “Police air support is a vital tool. Helicopters fly at average speeds of 138mph and searching by air is 20 times faster than other options and saves local police valuable time when it matters."