Robert Gurling: Manhunt under way after father abducts son aged 3 from foster parents

Essex Police are urgently searching for a man who has abducted his three-year-old son from his foster parents.

Robert Gurling from Romford is not allowed unsupervised access to the child and officers need to trace the child to ensure he is safe and well.

They were both seen at Great Notley near Braintree at about 10.30am on 2 Ma, possibly travelling in a blue car.

Gurling is white, in his forties, 6ft tall and of medium build. He has cropped dark-brown greying hair and was wearing a jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and red trainers.

Detective chief inspector Simon Werrett said: "Mr Gurling has abducted his child from the foster parents. Anyone who sees them should phone 999 immediately.

"Anyone with less-urgent information about their whereabouts should call Essex Police on 01245 282 103."