Parents join plea for help to find son

Lucas Ward is 'almost over-friendly, a very happy little boy', his mother says. Photo / Supplied

The parents of missing pre-schooler Lucas Ward are holding out hope that their boy is still alive.

Jessica and Damon Ward today appealed for people to take five minutes to check all around their properties, sheds and homes in case their "curious little boy" had got lost and taken shelter.

They spoke at a press conference this afternoon at the Gisborne Police station, near the end of day three in the search for their four-year-old son.

"He is a very confident child, he is not fearful of leaving my side. He is a very, very friendly child to the point he could quite easily go off with a stranger to have a sleep over at someone's place," Mrs Ward said.

"He has a healthy fear of water. We actually had him booked in to go for swimming lessons, but he wasn't ready to put his head under. He is very interested in animals, so I think he may have followed a dog, just being his curious self and wandered off a bit too far."

The family is hopeful, as possible sightings place Lucas further and further away from the Waimata River. Divers have been in the water since yesterday morning but have not found anything.

"That is very reassuring, just awesome," she said. "He has tough genes. He is durable."

Mr Ward asked people to look everywhere, "even places you don't think you need to - because that might be exactly where we do need you to look".

"We just ask that parents speak with their children to see if they know of a hideout where a little boy might go, something that might attract a young mind."

Lucas had never before made the walk from his grandmother's house in Graham Road to his father's Owen Road home but he was "building up to it", Mr Ward said.

"If you didn't stop him as he walked down the road he would just keep on going," he said.

"The last few days have been awful as we all look for our little boy. Lucas is loved by all of his family and we are missing him dreadfully, especially his eight-year-old brother, Alex, and 14-year-old sister, Raegan."

Gisborne Police area commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said it was important to remain optimistic but also to acknowledge concerns for the wellbeing of Lucas. Progress had been made on possible sightings, he said.

"We have spoken with the woman who gave a little boy a high-five on De Lautour Road. She has since seen the boy again, identified him and it is definitely not Lucas."

Police believe sightings in Martin Road and Tyndall Road could possibly be the same boy, a child who looked like Lucas and was staying in the area on Tuesday night. Further information about this sighting was expected tonight.

Mr Aberahama again appealed for information on the three other possible sightings.

The land search for Lucas was scaled back this afternoon, after search parties completed extensive searches of dwellings in the area, he said.

Eight divers continue to search the Waimata River, in case Lucas slipped into the water, and have broadened their search both upstream and downstream.

The search would be reviewed tonight and start again tomorrow.

"We have no indication of foul play, but are very worried that Lucas has had an accident, could be lying injured somewhere or has got trapped somewhere. It's really important that people continue to check their properties, sheds, vehicles, boats or other places that curious kids might hide," Mr Aberahama said.

"Please help us find Lucas. If you have information, please call us."

- NZPA