A search has been launched for an 11-year-old boy who became separated from his mother in west London.

The Metropolitan Police said the child, named only as Ibrahim, was last seen in Hayes, near the junction of Crown Close and Station Road, at 16:20 on Monday.

After walking away from his mother, he is believed to have travelled into central London.

Police stressed that Ibrahim was not in trouble with the police or his family and that everybody wanted to see him returned safely.

Ibrahim became separated from his mother outside a branch of Poundland.

At the time, he was wearing a red t-shirt, dark blue shorts and dark trainers.

He is believed to have caught the H98 bus to Hounslow West Underground Station and travelled into London, possibly on the Piccadilly Line.

Police believe he may have been in the Pimlico area between 14:15 and 14:50 on Tuesday morning.

He is also thought to have travelled to other parts of central London, including Westminster and Canada Water.

Anyone who might have seen Ibrahim is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 01/794609/24.

For an immediate sighting, people are asked to dial 999.