Warning issued after two missing autistic children found near creek

File photo / NZ Herald

Two autistic children who went missing from a North Shore house this afternoon were found just metres away from a creek, prompting police to warn that consequences could have been much worse.

Police have referred the incident to Child, Youth and Family (CYF) after the children, aged 8 and 9, were reported missing from a property in Northcote about midday.

The disappearance sparked an immediate response from police, who were concerned due to the age of the children and the number or creeks and waterways nearby.

Officers canvassed local areas with help from family members and neighbours of the missing children.

"The children fortunately were found nearby sometime later, metres away from a local creek," police said in a statement.

The consequences of the incident could have been much worse, they said.

"It is a timely reminder to all parents and caregivers to ensure that children are monitored and supervised closely especially when they are or live around water."

Police said CYF would follow up the incident.