The search for a young boy who was swept into the sea at a popular beach will resume on Monday morning after it was suspended due to poor lighting.
Emergency services rushed to the entrance on the NSW Central Coast about 5.15pm on Sunday after reports an 11-year-old boy struggled in rough conditions and never returned to shore.
An urgent search and rescue operation on land, air and sea was launched by officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District, Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving.
Several emergency vehicles were stationed along Marine Parade when the major search operation started.
Two rescue helicopters also conducted an extensive search for the missing boy as family members watched in distress until the search was eventually suspended for the night.
A major search and rescue operation for an 11-year-old boy will resume on Monday morning after he was swept out to sea. Rescue helicopters can be seen in the photo
The search and rescue is a joint operation between officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District, Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving, as well as Toll and Westpac Rescue helicopters (search photo).
A man was comforted in Marine Parade, The Entrance (pictured)
A loved one wearing a black hoodie was seen sitting with his head down on the sidewalk as he was comforted by another man.
It is understood the 11-year-old’s family is extremely distraught over the incident and speaks limited English.
The search will resume Monday morning at 8 a.m.