UPDATE (04/04/23) - Daniel has now been traced safe and well.

POLICE have launched a desperate appeal to help trace a 13-year-old boy who has been reported missing from Irvine.

Daniel Smith-Harkins has been missing since this morning, Monday April 3.

Police say he was spotted in the Doura Place area at around 5.20am.

Daniel is described as white, around five feet and six inches in height and of a tall slim build with short light brown hair.

When he was last seen he was wearing black jogging trousers, black hoodie and carrying a black rucksack.

Appeals are now being made for any members of the public who may have any information on Daniel's movements to get in touch with police.

And local officers are making an appeal straight to the teen, urging him to make them aware of his whereabouts.

Inspector Darren Muir of Irvine Police Office said: "Enquiries are ongoing to trace Daniel, however we are appealing for anyone who may have seen him to contact us.

"I'm also appealing directly to Daniel: you are not in any trouble. Please let us know you are safe.''

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference number 0346 of April 3, 2023.