Fears for toddler lost on freezing night

Auckland police were last night concerned for the safety of a two-year-old girl missing in wet and unseasonably cold weather in Waitakere City.

The police Eagle helicopter was called to the suburb of Lincoln after the toddler - identified only as Ashling - was reported missing from a property on Longburn Rd.

A full police command centre was set up at nearby Pomaria Rd Primary School to search for Ashling, who was last seen wearing a green jacket, jeans with embroidered flowers and white tennis shoes.

She was visiting the property with her mother when she disappeared about 5.40pm.

Police searched a creek running behind the Longburn Rd property last night.

Senior Sergeant Ian Byrnes said police had walked right through the middle of the waterway several times, and had been unable to find any trace of the girl.

Waitakere City Council staff and Fire Service crews late last night joined police and residents in the search for Ashling.

Residents in the area were asked to thoroughly check and in and around their homes.

Showers, some heavy, were expected in Auckland overnight, and a low of 6C was forecast.

Sunny periods were likely later today, but fresh southerlies were expected to continue through the day.

- NZ HERALD STAFF