Body found after autistic 5yo goes missing

There has been a tragic twist after an autistic five-year-old boy went missing from his Sydney home.

A body has been recovered from a river after an autistic five-year-old went missing from his Sydney home.

Essa Dennaoui was last seen in Epsom St, Chipping Norton, about 6.35pm on Wednesday.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Liverpool City Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

A police spokesman confirmed a body had been pulled from George’s River just before 10pm. It is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be that of the missing boy, police said in a statement.

The child’s death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage, according to police.

Essa Dennaoui, 5, was last seen in Epsom Street, Chipping Norton, about 6.35pm on Wednesday. Picture: NSW Police Media.

Meanwhile, loved ones reacted to the devastating news on social media.

“Little Essa has just been found past away (drowned) he’s being taken out of the George’s river right now,” one person posted.

“May Allah give he’s family patience.”

Another person wrote: “I’m lost for words what a beautiful boy, may Allah give the family patience and ease at this difficult time.”

“Poor baby, may Allah give his family strength.”

Liverpool City Mayor Ned Mannoun said “heaven has gained another Angel”.

“May his parents and family be granted strength.”

Police and family said at the time they held serious concerns for Essa’s whereabouts as he lives with autism and is non-verbal.

He was last seen wearing a black and white skeleton onesie and no shoes.