Police fear missing boy may have been swept to sea

HUNSTANTON, Norfolk (CNN) -- A full-scale air and sea search was due to resume for a five-year-old boy who disappeared from a crowded beach during a day-trip.

Jake Parker disappeared Sunday lunchtime from Brancaster beach, Norfolk, as he paddled in shallow water. His parents, Kevin and Debbie, raised the alarm.

Despite a large-scale search during the day involving RAF and police helicopters and lifeboats no sign of the boy had been found and police say they are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman Mark Clark said: "We now are concerned greatly for his safety. The tides come in particularly quickly in that area."

Three-feet tall Jake, whose family come from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was wearing lime green shorts and a navy top.

Chief Superintendent Kevin Wilkins, of Norfolk Police, said: "The police have no reason to suggest there has been an abduction, but we are not ruling out anything.

"Jake was last seen in apparently shallow water by a close relative who was with him.

"He was paddling and was out of sight for only a few seconds and our inquiries are targeted on the possibility that he may have been swept away."

The stretch of coastline is notoriously dangerous. In 1996 two children drowned after being swept out to sea from a beach at Holme, near to where Jake disappeared.

The bodies of Tom and Jodi Laughlin were later found washed up on the shore at Weybourne and Sheringham.

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Norfolk Constabulary
Maritime and Coastguard Agency, MCA

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