A three-year-old boy who vanished without a trace from his village in Russia has been found alive in a forest after two nights alone.

Young Yegor went missing in Morozovitsa, Vologda Oblast, on 1st August.

He was last seen on CCTV at 5.40pm as he walked alongside a pack of dogs near a school.

A massive search operation with more than 200 police officers, rescue workers and volunteers swung into action.

Searchers scoured abandoned buildings, ravines and riverbanks.

But they feared the worst when, on 2nd August, some of Yegor’s belongings were found.

Astonishingly, the youngster was found alive in a forest seven kilometres (four miles) from his village the next day.

Police video of his discovery shows the tot was shirtless and was wrapped in his rescuers’ clothing.

Yegor had endured night-time temperatures of no more than 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit).

He was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for hypothermia.

Alexander Kuzmin, head of Veliky Ustyug district, said in a statement: “Thanks to everyone who took part day and night in search for three-year-old Yegor.

“The boy was found in the woods. Between Morozovitsa and Shchekino. Doctors and psychologists are now working with him.”

In a statement obtained by Newsflash on 3rd August, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Vologda Oblast said: “Recall that on 1st August, 2022, after 5pm, a three-year-old child disappeared in the village of Morozovitsa, Veliky Ustyug district.

“On this incident, the investigating authorities of the Investigative Committee of Russia for Vologda Oblast initiated a criminal case and search activities were immediately organised.

“Experienced investigators and forensic specialists from the regional office of the regional department of the Investigative Committee of Russia left for the scene.

“In order to search for the missing boy, the forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, as well as the public and volunteers were involved, special equipment was used.

“During the search activities on the morning of 3rd August, 2022, the missing child was found alive in a forest belt about seven kilometres from the village where he lives.

“Doctors were sent to him to assess his state of health and provide the necessary assistance.

“According to preliminary information, the child has general hypothermia, he was sent to the district hospital for hospitalisation.

“Currently, investigators continue to establish all the circumstances of the boy’s movement. The criminal investigation is ongoing.”