Gisborne police and a large number of volunteers are searching for a four year old boy who went missing this afternoon from the Tolaga Bay area.
Photo: NZ Police
The boy, called Axel, was last seen wearing a blue shirt with palm trees on it and blue gumboots with sharks on them.
Police have been using dogs and a helicopter in the search and are appealing for anyone who might have seen him to get in contact urgently.
He was with a miniature white fluffy dog but the animal has been found this evening.
Police said the search will continue over the coming hours.
Anyone who's seen the boy is urged to contact police immediately.