A frantic search has been launched for a 14-year-old boy who is missing after last being seen in the sea.
Matthew Sherrington has not been seen since Thursday evening when he was with pals off the coast of the Headland in Hartlepool.
A major search was carried out for the 14-year-old but sadly Humber Coastguard said the search was being scaled down.
They said they were no longer actively looking for the teenager as "survivability has been deemed no longer viable."
However the local community has organised a number of its own searches for Matthew, determined to do all they can to help.
Cleveland Police has now named the missing youngster and issued a picture of him.
But they have also issued a plea to those looking for the teenager and urged them to stop their searched for their own safety.
A spokesman said: "Police are conducting searches on the beach area of the Headland in Hartlepool today, Friday 16 th July, in a bid to find missing Matthew Sherrington aged 14.
"Matthew was reported missing to police yesterday, Thursday 15 th July. It was reported that Matthew had been playing in the sea and hasn’t been seen since this sighting.
"Officers immediately searched the beach and sea area along with Coastguard colleagues but have not managed to locate him.
"Police have been made aware of people organising their own searches and would ask for the public to refrain from doing so for their own safety.
"Officers are doing everything they can in a bid to find Matthew and would ask that people avoid the area to allow the team to carry out their enquiries.
"Specialist officers are in constant contact with Matthew’s family to offer them support at this difficult time.
"Anyone with information regarding missing Matthew is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting 117351."
Police have also issued water safety during a weekend when temperatures are expected to be high.
They said: "Police are urging people to take extra care in open water this weekend when temperatures are expected to be high.
"Officers are reminding people of the dangers of open water, especially with youngsters who are most likely will be near to rivers and beaches in the sunny climate."
