A hunt through the night for a 10-year-old girl who ran off in her stockinged feet has failed to find any sign of her.

Police believe Josephine Faaeteete could be hiding with friends who don't know she's missing.

Inspector Kerry Watson says she's been gone since 5pm yesterday.

"It happened after an argument with her parents and we know that she's then left her home in Trent Road and potentially should could be hiding with friends or in an area that she's familiar with."

Faaeteete is of Samoan descent, has short black hair and was wearing a pink hoodie, black tights, socks but no shoes.