ALL available police units in Poole were sent to locate a young boy who had gone missing.

The six-year-old had last been seen in the area near Branksome tennis courts shortly after 6pm on Friday, May 14.

Due to concerns for the boy's safety, Dorset Police tasked all free officers to the location.

The boy was found safe and well a short time later.

In a statement on Facebook, a spokesperson for Poole Police said: "You may have seen a number of blue lights from police vehicles around 6.20pm this evening.

"A six-year-old boy went missing from the area near Branksome tennis courts."

The spokesperson added: "Officers were greatly concerned for the boy and keen to locate him as soon as possible.

"All free units were dispatched to the area, so the public would have observed an excess of police responding to this incident.

"We are pleased to report the boy was found safe and well. "