FORMER neighbours of a seven-year-old schoolboy who has been missing from home in Great Yarmouth for three days today spoke of their anguish.

The search for little Daniel Entwistle, who was born in Burnley and brought up in Padiham, is continuing.

Police are stepping up their investigation and are not ruling out that he could have been abducted.

Officers are speaking to known paedophiles in the area.

His parents, Paula, 31 and David, 41, have been searching around the clock alongside police, coastguards, the RNLI and residents in a bid to find the youngster, whose bicycle was found abandoned on a riverside quay close to his home.

The family moved to Great Yarmouth from Peel Street, Padiham, three years ago.

Jacqueline Howard, 37, a neighbour who lived across the road from the family in Peel Street, said: "My partner and Daniel's dad, David, set up a small football team for the children living in the area.

"They used to go to Gawthorpe and all loved playing football.

"Daniel was a bit too young but always wanted to join in."

Mrs Howard added: "They are a lovely family. Daniel was always so polite and such a nice young boy.

"It made my heart sink when I heard what had happened. It was a really horrible feeling and I had goosebumps when I heard the news."

She went on: "My thoughts are with David and Paula at this time.

"I have children of my own and can't begin to imagine what they are going through. I just hope they find him safe and sound."

Police have released CCTV footage of Daniel in a local shop before he went missing at 5pm on Saturday.