Essex Police in search for father and abducted son Published duration 3 May 2015

Police are searching for a man who has abducted his three-year-old son from the child's foster parents.

Robert Gurling, from Romford, was last seen with the boy at Great Notley near Braintree, at about 10:30 BST on Saturday.

Despite an extensive search, Essex Police have not been able to find Mr Gurling, who is not allowed unsupervised access to the child.

He is described as white, aged in his 40s, 6ft tall, and of medium build.

He has cropped dark brown hair that is greying and was wearing a grey tracksuit top and jeans.

The boy has blonde hair and was wearing a jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and red trainers.

They may be travelling in a blue car.

The police search included use of the force helicopter.

Det Ch Insp Simon Werrett said: "Mr Gurling has abducted his child from the foster parents.

"He is not allowed unsupervised access to the child and therefore we need to urgently locate the child to ensure he is safe and well."