Major hunt launched after nine-year-old boy vanishes from bed overnight

Police believe he left his home on Meadow Lane, Dunston, in Gateshead, during the night

Josh Dinning had vanished by the time his mother and father went to wake him for school (Police handout)

A major manhunt has been launched for a nine-year-old boy who disappeared from his bedroom overnight.

Josh Dinning was last seen yesterday evening around 9.30pm, but when his mother and father went to wake him for school he had vanished.

He did not turn up to his school.

Police believe he left his home on Meadow Lane, Dunston, in Gateshead, during the night and are now trying to find him.

A helicopter has been launched as part of the search and officers are also patrolling a river.

Officers have also searched a disused industrial site and checked CCTV from local businesses, The Sun reports.

He has been described as white, around 4ft tall, of slim build and with short ash blond hair flicked to one side.

It is believed he would be wearing a green school uniform with grey trousers.

Police are appealing for anyone who sees Josh to get in touch with officers by calling 101 and quoting log 198 04/04/17