Winkler Police have provided more details on the successful search for a 9-year-old boy.

Just before midnight Tuesday, police received a report a male youth had walked away from his residence on Royal Crescent a few hours earlier.

Chief Ryan Hunt says officers immediately searched the surrounding area. The Morden Police Service, Winkler Fire Department and the Pembina Triangle Search and Rescue Team were called in to assist. A large area was systematically searched by foot throughout the night and morning before the child was safely located early Wednesday afternoon.

During the night, the City of Winkler activated a phone notice through the Alert Ready system.

"We wanted to notify as many people as possible before they started leaving for work, just in case someone happened to see him," Hunt explains. "It's unfortunate the alert had to go out in the middle of the night while people were sleeping, but our focus was on the safety of the child."

He notes Alert Ready differs from an Amber Alert as the situation did not meet the specific requirement for an Amber Alert. "But we felt it was important to get the information out to the public as soon as possible."

Hunt also thanked the community for its support during the search, "A police service is only as effective as the cooperation they have with the citizens they serve."

Police received numerous tips from concerned citizens, each Hunt says, they followed up on extensively.

"We're so thankful the child was safely located," he says, adding a huge "thank-you" to the Morden Police Service, Winkler Fire Department and the Pembina Triangle Search and Rescue Team, and the hardwork and dedication of Winkler Police Service officers.

To sign up for Winkler's Alert Ready system, go here.