POLICE launched a search to find a missing seven year old boy.

The youngster was believed to have wandered from his home in Cecilia Road, Grays, last night.

His mother raised the alarm at about 7am this morning when she realised he was missing.

A resident in Grays who had seen an appeal on social media, spotted the boy in a street in Grays at about 10am this morning.

Police quickly traced the lad and returned him home.

Insp Justin Smith said: "This was an absolutely brilliant response by the media and the public. We are delighted that the boy has been found safe and sound so quickly."