missing 3 year old found

9 August 2010, 18:47 | Updated: 11 August 2010, 07:55

A three-year-old boy who went walkabout with his golden labrador from their home in High Hurstwood, near Uckfield, was spotted by the crew of the Sussex Police helicopter.

He was reported missing at 4.22pm on Thursday (August 5) and as a full-scale search was launched, Hotel 900 was tasked to join the hunt from its base at Shoreham Airport. On arrival, the helicopter started searching the rural areas around High Hurstwood and spotted the pair less than 20 minutes later near Wilding Wood, more than a mile from his home. Both ran off as it came into land, but as soon as it had, the boy, still accompanied by his faithful companion, went over to be checked by paramedic Nick Deane, who pronounced him none the worse for his adventure."

PC Amy Wright said: "We're glad that we found him safe and well and he certainly enjoyed a look round the helicopter while we waited for the ground units to arrive."

Officers on the ground picked up boy and dog and returned them home. His mother said: "I really can't thank everyone who took part in the search enough. From the moment we called to the time he was with the helicopter crew was barely an hour. We're very grateful and we'll be making sure that he doesn't repeat his escapade!"