A four-year-old whose image has been shared by thousands of people on Facebook is “not in immediate danger”, police say.
However, the boy, who was reportedly last seen in the Rowlands Gill area, is believed to be with his father, who has been asked to contact police.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports circulating on social media about a four year old boy missing in Gateshead.
“We can confirm that we are looking for a missing child but believe he is in the company of his father who is also missing, we urge the father to contact the police.
“We don’t think the child or his father is in immediate danger, but we need to talk to both of them to make sure they’re safe and healthy. Agents support extended family.
“Please be careful not to share false information on social media, but if you have genuine information contact the police online or by calling 101 quoting NP-20210704-0851.”
The concern was raised on Sunday evening and the message was shared by tens of thousands of people in hopes of helping locate the boy.