POLICE searched frantically for a boy with special needs yesterday who went missing after he was sent home from school in a taxi.

The ten-year old returned to his home at about 10am after he was told there was no special needs teacher available.

Hours later, North Yorkshire Police were combing the streets near where he lived and a witness appeal had been launched in a attempt to find the youngster before nightfall.

His mother raised the alarm when he hadn't been seen since he returned to his home on Pottery Lane, York, with his school belongings. Even local neighbourhood watch teams were put on alert to keep an eye out for the youngster.

Wearing a blue top and tracksuit bottoms for warmth, police were anxious to trace Adam Jack Coxon who had been described as vulnerable due to his age and learning difficulties.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman had said: "He is fairly streetwise, but he is only ten and should not be out on his own on such a cold day, especially as it is starting to get dark."

Fortunately, Adam was found safe and well at about 5.15pm. A police spokesman said that he had returned home on his own accord having been at a friend's house and no further inquiries would be made into the case.

His school could not be contacted for comment last night.