A four-year-old whose image was shared by thousands of people on Facebook is 'not believed to be in any immediate danger', police say.
However, the boy, who was reported to have been last seen in the Rowlands Gill area, is thought to be with his father, who has been urged to contact police.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “We are aware of reports circulating on social media about a four-year-old boy who was reported missing in Gateshead.
“We can confirm we are searching for a missing child but believe he is in the company of his father who is also missing, we urge the father to contact police.
“It is not believed that the child or his father are in any immediate danger but we do need to speak to them both to ensure they are safe and well. Officers are supporting the wider family.
“Please be careful about sharing false information on social media but if you do have genuine information then contact police online or by calling 101 quoting NP-20210704-0851.”
Concern was sparked on Sunday night and the post was shared by tens of thousands of people hoping to help find the boy.
