A non-verbal teen with autism is missing on the NSW Central Coast, sparking an urgent search-and-rescue mission.
Leif Courtney, 13, was last seen at his Mooney Mooney home on Wednesday evening. He was wearing grey pyjamas with sneakers.
Police on Thursday morning began searching the Mooney Mooney, Kangaroo Point and Brooklyn areas for the boy and will soon begin searching from the air.
"Understandably, the family are beside themselves," NSW Police spokeswoman Kylie Phillips told reporters on Thursday.
Leif's father Allen Courtney told the Daily Telegraph that anyone who sees his son should not be afraid to approach him.
"He's not afraid of crowds. Please approach him if he's seen and just do your best," he said.
Mr Courtney said Leif is non-verbal but often noisy, making "squealing noises or (repeating) things he's heard".
"He's not normally worried about a crowd or noise, so don't let that bother you. Don't be worried about approaching him. You may need to grab an arm or hand to have him follow (you)," Mr Courtney said.
Leif is of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a slim build and blond hair.
