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10-year-old boy missing from Halifax area found safe

Ashayo Johnson was wearing a blue puffy jacket with black sweat pants and light blue sneakers when he was reported missing. (RCMP - image credit)
Ashayo Johnson was wearing a blue puffy jacket with black sweat pants and light blue sneakers when he was reported missing. (RCMP - image credit)

RCMP say a missing 10-year-old boy from North Preston, N.S., is safe and sound.

Ashayo Johnson was reported missing at 11:30 p.m. AT Tuesday. An emergency alert about the missing boy was issued shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Helicopters and ground search-and-rescue crews combed the area around North Preston in search of Johnson.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Lisa Croteau confirmed Wednesday evening that Johnson was safe and sound, but could not provide additional details.

Police dogs, a Canadian Forces Cormorant helicopter and a Department of Lands and Forestry helicopter were all on scene assisting in the search, roughly 20 kilometres northeast of Halifax. A nor'easter is sweeping south of Nova Scotia, bringing rain and windy conditions to the Halifax area.

The Nova Scotia RCMP said in a Twitter post that the emergency alerts were issued for the Halifax Regional Municipality and Hants areas because of the boy's age and the weather conditions.

Steve Lawrence/CBC
Steve Lawrence/CBC

The RCMP sent a news release about the missing boy to media outlets shortly before 4 a.m., and that Amber Alerts are only issued when a child has been abducted.

"There is no evidence to suggest Ashayo has been abducted," the RCMP said in a Twitter post.

RCMP said a command post was set up at the North Preston Community Centre. A neighbourhood canvas was happening.

Miranda Cain, founder of North Preston's Future Community Organization, said earlier Wednesday that other children in the tight-knit community will need a lot of support.

Steve Lawrence/CBC
Steve Lawrence/CBC

"The community is devastated right now ... we need to get this kid back as soon as we can," she said.

Cain said there has been an "unbelievable" response at the Saint Thomas Baptist Church where there are counsellors, food and toys available.

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