Police are investigating a report of a young child wandering alone in the Main Street area of Castlewellan on Wednesday morning.
The child, believed to be a girl, was seen walking on the footpath in the Co Down town at around 4.55am.
A PSNI spokesperson said officers attended and no child was found.
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"The child was seen walking on the footpath on Main Street near the entrance to the forest park," they added.
"Officers have viewed CCTV footage and the child does not appear to turn into the park but continues into town.
"The girl was wearing a light purple coat and pink trousers."
Inspector Conway said: “We are very concerned for the welfare of this child and would appeal to anyone with information to contact us urgently on 101 quoting 181 30/03/22."
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