A young boy is missing after he was caught in a rip at a West Auckland surf beach.
A search was sparked after the boy was swept out to sea at O'Neills Bay, north of Bethells Beach, about 2.30pm, Inspector Peter Raynes of police northern communications said.
"We haven't found him at this stage but we're putting on a constant effort to try and locate where he is at the moment.''
The Westpac rescue helicopter, police, marine rescue staff and Bethells Beach surf lifesavers were looking for the boy.
Four inflatable rescue boats took part in the search but were stood down about 4.45pm, a surf lifesaving spokeswoman said.
