UPDATED 8.39AM: A missing seven-year-old schoolboy has been found.

William Thompson was reported missing to police late last night after he failed to come home from Fairfield Primary School at around 2.30pm yesterday.

A seven-year-old boy failed to return home after school yesterday. Photo: File.

Senior Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly of the Waikato District Command Centre says William Thompson arrived safe and well at his school this morning, about 8.15am.

'His family were present at the school and they and Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance in trying to locate him.”

Earlier:

A search and rescue operation is underway for a missing seven-year-old boy in Hamilton.

The boy was due home at around 2.30pm yesterday, but when he failed to show up, his family notified police at about 10.15pm.

Acting Senior Sergeant Phil Ruddell says concerns are growing for the well-being of William Thompson.

'He was expected back at his Paul Cres home about 2.30pm but didn't arrive,” explains Phil.

'He was believed to have been seen in the area at about 2.40pm but not seen or heard from since. Police were notified of his family's concerns about 10.15pm.

'A series of door-to-door knocks, checks with friends and interviews of staff at his school were conducted but to no avail.

'We're hoping he has gone home with a friend overnight and he and the friend's parents have forgotten to let his family know.”

William is described as a slim, seven-year-old Maori boy with short black hair.

When last seen, William was wearing light blue skinny jeans, grey and white shoes and a dark grey cardigan with light blue stripes which was described as being too big for him.

'Area inquiries by our staff have been ongoing overnight but one of the main challenges for our search teams is there is no start point to go off,” says Phil.

'Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen William or who sees him this morning to call 111.

'Likewise, if you have had William stay at your home overnight, please contact police or his family as quickly as possible.”