The search for a missing five-year-old boy has ended tragically after he disappeared from a busy street in Sydney’s southwest.

A desperate search for a five-year-old autistic boy has come to a tragic end after police pulled a body from the Georges River.

Essa Dennaoui was last seen on Epsom Street in Chipping Norton, in Sydney’s southwest, on Thursday at around 6.35pm.

When Essa could not be located, the frantic family members alerted the police, who immediately launched an urgent search in which residents also participated.

The police were very concerned about Essa’s fate, as he was autistic and did not speak.

A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed a body was pulled from the nearby river, several streets away, shortly after 10 p.m.

The body has not yet been formally identified, but it appears to be that of the missing boy.

Essa’s loved ones unfortunately confirmed the tragic news on social media later that night.

“Little Essa has just been found (drowned) he is being pulled out of the Georges River at the moment. May Allah give his family patience,” they posted.

Another person wrote: “I’m at a loss for words, what a handsome boy, may Allah give the family patience and ease in these difficult times.” »

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

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun added: “Heaven has gained another angel.”

“May his parents and family receive strength.”

Police are not treating the drowning as suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.

This tragedy brings to 35 the number of drownings in Australia since the start of summer on December 1.