Young siblings disappear amid freezing temperatures in northern NSW

A 12-year-old girl and her nine-year-old brother have been reported missing in northern NSW.

Alyshia and Aaron Spain were last seen at 4pm on Saturday at a sports and recreation centre on Mann Street, Armidale.

Police said they had been contacted by carers who were with the children after the siblings could not be located.

“There are serious concerns for their welfare due to the children having medical conditions which require medication and the cold overnight temperatures expected in the region,” NSW Police said in a statement.

Temperatures plunged below 0 degrees in the regional city on Saturday night. Armidale Airport recorded a minimum of -3.5 degrees at 4am on Sunday.

Police said Alyshia was last seen wearing an army green jumper, white singlet and black tracksuit pants. The 12-year-old has red hair, a thin build and is about 167 centimetres tall.

Her brother, Aaron, was last seen wearing a NAIDOC jersey, blue jeans and an orange and white cap. The nine-year-old has red hair and is of medium build.

Both are described as of Caucasian appearance and believed to be carrying backpacks.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate the children. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contacted Armidale police station on (02) 6771 0699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.