A major search and rescue operation is underway to find a 5-year-old boy missing in the water at Mount Maunganui.
The alarm was raised at approximately 11.50am. A woman and three young children had been playing on the shoreline in an area known as Shelly Beach near the Base Track at Mount Maunganui.
A large wave has carried the three children into the water. The woman managed to rescue the two girls but the little boy was swept out.
An off-duty police officer in the area saw the woman as she made her way out of the water and called for assistance.
Police, Surf Life Saving and Coastguard are involved in the search with the assistance of the TECT rescue helicopter.
Sea conditions are extremely rough with three to four metre swells. Police are asking the public to stay clear of the area.
The two girls (ages unknown at this stage) have been taken to hospital for observation. The adult female suffered minor cuts and abrasions and has remained at the scene. It is believed the group are all related but no further details are available at this stage.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.