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Police have begun a search for a missing 12-year-old autistic boy, saying they are worried for his safety.
Ubeeka Brady Phillips was reported missing by his father a week ago.
He was last seen by his younger sister at their family home in St Georges Rd in the Auckland suburb of Avondale.
Police said they had fears for his safety.
When he was last seen he was wearing a blue and white cap, a grey shirt, dark blue denim jeans, and black and white Chuck Taylor shoes.
Police said it was not the first time he had run away but he had kept contact with his family with a pre-paid cellphone.
He had been spotted by family members several times and was believed to be hanging around in Avondale with youth street gang members, said Constable Rob Paepke, from the Avondale police.
- NZPA
