FEARS were growing on Saturday afternoon for the safety of an eight-year-old Bolton boy who has been missing for more than 24 hours.

The police helicopter was in action broadcasting appeals to shoppers as officers say they are concerned for the welfare of Jaffer Javid, who disappeared from his parents' home in Oriel Street, Deane, at about noon on Friday.

Officers are understood to be carrying out house-to-house inquiries and searching fields near his home.

Police say there is no reason for the youngster to have disappeared and he has never been reported missing before.

Jaffer is described as Asian, 4ft 6ins tall with dark, collar length hair. He was wearing a blue Fila tee-shirt with white and yellow, black trousers and black trainers.

Anyone with information about Jaffer's whereabouts should contact Bolton Central police station on 0161 8565640.