A MISSING four-year-old boy is thought to be in the company of his father, police say.

Reports of a missing boy from Gateshead have been circulating on social media this evening.

The boy was last seen in the Rowlands Gill area. An appeal to find him has been shared thousands of times.

Northumbria Police released a statement tonight confirming they were searching for a missing child but said it was thought he was with his father.

They are not thought to be in "immediate danger", officers said.

However, police would like to speak to them to ensure they are safe and well.

Members of the public have also been warned about sharing "false information".

The statement in full:

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "We are aware of reports circulating on social media about a four-year-old boy who was reported missing in Gateshead.

"We can confirm we are searching for a missing child but believe he is in the company of his father who is also missing, we urge the father to contact police.

"It is not believed that the child or his father are in any immediate danger but we do need to speak to them both to ensure they are safe and well.

"Officers are supporting the wider family.

"Please be careful about sharing false information on social media but if you do have genuine information then contact police online or by calling 101 quoting NP-20210704-0851."

 

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