The search for missing Carson Shephard gripped Scotland with frantic overnight searches taking place- and the local community rallying round to find the youngster.
There was shock as it emerged that seven-year-old Carson had vanished from from Afton Bridgend in New Cumnock, Ayrshire last night.
He had last been seen around 7.20pm and a huge emergency response was launched overnight in a bid to trace him.
Earlier this morning Police gave the heartwarming news that he had been found and thanked locals for all their help.
Here is how the search unfolded.
Carson goes missing
The young boy vanished around 7.20pm in the Afton Bridgend area of the village on Sunday night.
Police did not immediately appeal for information as they began a thorough search for him.
Appeal and description launched
Around 10.10pm increasingly worried cops took to social media and appealed for information on the missing seven-year-old.
A description was issued with it stated that Carson was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a t-shirt and a black top.
The appeal struck a chord and big hearted locals organised search parties to begin the hunt for the missing lad.
Residents were also urged to check 'garden sheds, gardens, garages and not to assume someone else has done it' by cops.
Overnight search
A sleepless night was had by many as the morning dawned and there was still no sign of Carson.
Huge efforts were made by emergency services overnight with a police helicopter taking to the Ayrshire skies to scan the ground below for any sign of the young boy, while specialist sniffer dogs also joined the massive search.
On the waters specialist police marine and Scottish Fire and Rescue units also joined but no trace could be found.
Local search parties were also organised with some residents reporting being out all night looking for the child.
Second appeal launched
Police again took to social media in a bid to trace Carson.
Early this morning the force reported the massive search that had taken place- but unfortunately yielded no results.
Every major media outlet in Scotland and even newspapers further afield reported on the drama as the hunt continued to find the seven-year-old.
Car moved from property
A car was seen being removed from a property in New Cumnock as the dramatic search for Carson continued.
Footage from BBC journalist Linda Sinclair showed the black four by four being loaded onto the back of a lorry by police.
It is unclear whether this was related to the missing person probe.
Carson found
At around 10.10am Police Scotland's Ayrshire division announced that the missing child had been traced 'safe and well' provoking huge sighs of relief across the nation.
Unconfirmed reports have since emerged that the youngster was in his Granmother's loft for the duration of the drama.
A statement from Ayrshire police division read: "Carson Traced - We are pleased to report that 7-year-old Carson Shephard, reported missing from New Cumnock has been found safe and well. Officers would like to thank everyone who assisted in this inquiry."
Loved ones hug in relief
Heartwarming pictures emerged from the scene earlier showing loved ones of Carson hugging as the good news filtered through.
Women entering a house in New Cumnock were seen sharing a cuddle.
