Parents plead for help after seven-year-old disappears

The parents of a seven-year-old boy who has gone missing from his seaside home pleaded yesterday for anyone who knew of his whereabouts to come forward.

Police say they are "very concerned" for Daniel Entwistle, who disappeared on Saturday evening. A team of 50 uniformed officers, including police divers, have spent 24 hours in the town of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk in their search for the boy.

Described by his mother as a "loner" and "mischievous" Daniel was last seen leaving his home in Copperfield Avenue by neighbours at 5pm on Saturday. Concern grew after police found his red and white bike at the end of a short lane leading from a main road in Great Yarmouth to a walled quayside.

Yesterday, the bike was covered by a white tent. Forensic science teams have been examining the site, a few metres from the edge of the river Yare. Police divers searched the water immediately surrounding the area where it was found.

The boy's mother, Paula Entwistle, 30, said at a press conference yesterday: "If anybody knows or has seen anything, anything suspicious or untoward, could they please just ring the police. Even if they do not think it's important, ring the police. Daniel, if you are watching, please come home, you are not in trouble, please come home."

Mrs Entwistle said of Daniel, who is 3ft 2in tall, of thin build, with light brown cropped hair and a northern accent: "He's outgoing, he's pleasant, he can be mischievous like a lot of children and he's a bit of a loner. But he says 'Hi' to anybody. He has friends that live locally and we just thought he was there."

She said Daniel had been in the area where the bike was found, and he had once previously disappeared but only for about two hours.

Detective Superintendent Julian Gregory, who is leading the hunt said: "We are very concerned about his whereabouts, his safety and his welfare."

Mr Gregory said the investigation team was not ruling out anything in connection with the boy's disappearance.

He appealed to residents of Great Yarmouth and visitors to the popular coastal resort to help find the missing boy. "I am sure we can all imagine the trauma the parents are going through and we want the public to help us," he said.

Mr Gregory added: "Fifty uniformed officers are taking part in the search. Our primary aim is for the safe return of Daniel and that's the way our inquiry has focused.

"If anyone is with Daniel we urge them to make contact with us as soon as possible. We are actively pursuing every option and we are not ruling anything out."

Mrs Entwistle sat next to Daniel's father, David Entwistle, 41, at the press conference. The family originated from Burnley, Lancashire, and moved to Norfolk three years ago to be nearer her family. Daniel has two brothers aged 10 and two.

Police have received a number of potential unconfirmed sightings of Daniel in the vicinity near his home, which is a short walk from the busy sea front. They are investigating each apparent sighting.

Residents of the estate where Daniel lives said their thoughts were with his family.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It's a shame it's happened, I feel sorry for the family. It's a good community here and it's quite close. It's hard to say where he is." Another woman said: "This is a friendly community and the kids all play together and they all look out for each other."