10-year-old boy missing from Halifax area found safe

RCMP say a missing 10-year-old boy from North Preston, N.S., is safe and sound.

He was reported missing at 11:30 p.m. AT Tuesday. An emergency alert about the missing boy was issued shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday with his name, description and image. Now that the boy has been located, CBC News is no longer identifying the child. 

Helicopters and ground search-and-rescue crews combed the area around North Preston in search of the boy.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Lisa Croteau confirmed Wednesday evening that he was safe and sound, but could not provide additional details.

Police dogs, a Canadian Forces Cormorant helicopter and a Department of Lands and Forestry helicopter were all on scene assisting in the search, roughly 20 kilometres northeast of Halifax. A nor'easter is sweeping south of Nova Scotia, bringing rain and windy conditions to the Halifax area.

The Nova Scotia RCMP said in a Twitter post that the emergency alerts were issued for the Halifax Regional Municipality and Hants areas because of the boy's age and the weather conditions.

The RCMP sent a news release about the missing boy to media outlets shortly before 4 a.m., and that Amber Alerts are only issued when a child has been abducted.

"There is no evidence to suggest [he] has been abducted," the RCMP said in a Twitter post.

RCMP said a command post was set up at the North Preston Community Centre. A neighbourhood canvas was happening.

Miranda Cain, founder of North Preston's Future Community Organization, said earlier Wednesday that other children in the tight-knit community will need a lot of support.

"The community is devastated right now ... we need to get this kid back as soon as we can," she said.

Cain said there has been an "unbelievable" response at the Saint Thomas Baptist Church where there are counsellors, food and toys available.