POLICE are appealing for help to trace a missing boy from Gloucester.

Ethan Barnes is 10 years old and was last seen in the Estcourt Road area of the city at around 6pm yesterday (Thursday, February 20).

There is no suspicion that he has been the victim of criminality and it is believed Ethan, who has run away previously and is described as street aware, may be at a friend's house in Gloucester.

His age clearly makes him vulnerable though and officers are very eager to locate him and return him to those responsible for him.

Officers are continuing to check addresses this morning but anyone who sees Ethan or knows his whereabouts should call 999 or 101 straight away, quoting incident 363 of February 20.

Ethan is described as white, 4ft tall, with dark brown straight hair and blue eyes.