Police are appealing for information after a man went missing with his three-year-old son.
Robert Gurling from Romford, and his son, were both seen at Great Notley near Braintree at about 10.30am yesterday.
Despite an extensive police search by ground units and the police helicopter Mr Gurling and the boy have not been traced.
Mr Gurling is white, aged in his 40s, 6ft tall, and of medium build. He has cropped dark brown greying hair. He 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.
DCI 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.
"Anyone who sees them should phone 999 immediately.
"Anyone with less-urgent information about their whereabouts should call Essex Police on 01245 282103."
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