A police helicopter was seen flying overhead as it searched for a missing boy.

The helicopter was spotted by residents yesterday flying over the Langdon Hills area.

Officers were also seen by witnesses surrounding the area of The Triangle shops in the town.

They were searching for a young boy who had gone missing at around 8pm.

Police confirmed that the boy had been found quickly after the search begun.

A statement from an Essex Police spokesman, said: "We were called just before 8.15pm on Sunday, May 20, with reports of a missing boy near Langdon Hills Recreation Ground.

"A police helicopter assisted officers with the search.

"The boy was found shortly after 8.30pm."