Police are asking for public help to find a 14-year-old boy who left his New Plymouth home in a distressed state in the early hours of this morning.

Raefon Adams is described as Maori, of medium build, and approximately 170cm tall.

He is wearing tie-dyed mid-thigh length shorts, a black long-sleeved tee shirt with white writing on the front, and black socks with no shoes.

Anyone who sees him, or knows where he is, is asked to contact New Plymouth Police on 06 759 5500.