A ground and air search was launched in Kirkcudbright on Monday night after a young boy was spotted wandering alone in the town as darkness fell.
Officers interviewed residents in a bid to find the child and a helicopter with searchlights was scrambled.
The aircraft hovering low over homes in the Millburn Street area alerted locals that a major police operation was under way.
The boy was later found to be safe and well in what police later described as “a false alarm”.
One resident told the News: “Police were asking in the street if they had seen a wee boy with a blue top on.
“There were loads of people out with torches in the graveyard looking for him.
“There was a helicopter right over my house with a searchlight looking in Barrhill Woods and the high park.
“People knew there was something going on but there was no communication on how they could help.
“Time is critical in situations like this – people were going out searching on their own frustrated at the lack of clarity on whether their help was actually required.”
She added: “That’s one good thing about Kirkcudbright – the community comes together in times of need.”
In a statement on social media at Tuesday lunchtime, the police said: “The report is being treated as a false alarm with good intent.”
Local police clarified the position on Tuesday afternoon.
A spokesperson told the News: “Around 5.45pm on Monday police received a report that an apparently unaccompanied young male child had been seen in St Cuthbert’s Road, Kirkcudbright.
“An extensive precautionary search of the area took place including using local officers, Galloway Mountain Rescue Team and the Police Scotland helicopter with no trace of any child.
“There were no reports of any lost or missing children received by Police Scotland.
“Through further enquiry the child was identified and was confirmed to have been playing with no additional concerns identified.
“We would like to thank locals in Kirkcudbright for their help last night (Monday) and this morning (Tuesday).”
