THIS is the incredible moment a police helicopter spotted a missing three-year-old autistic boy drinking muddy water from a creek after 72 hours alone.
The dramatic footage reveals the moment Anthony “AJ” Elfalak, was found at a creek in the New South Wales Hunter region following a three- day- search.
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Little AJ was seen drinking muddy water from a creek Credit: AP 10
The three-year-old boy vanished from the family home on Friday Credit: NSW Police 10
AJ's parents Anthony and Kelly hugging after hearing the good news Credit: AP 10
SES volunteers after finding the three-year-old Credit: PA
The young boy who is nonverbal, vanished from his family’s rural home at Yengo Drive in Putty on Friday.
His disappearance sparked a massive search operation at the family’s 650-acre property, by police, emergency services and volunteers, reports News.com.au.
And on Monday the little boy was found alive and well, covered in mud after spending three days by himself outside.
In the clip shared by New South Wales Police, a rescue can be heard saying "I've got the boy."
Authorities said AJ had a few scrapes to his lower legs and his clothes were wet but was otherwise healthy.
His relieved dad Anthony said it's a "miracle."
He told reporters at the scene: "He’s just clinging to Mum.
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"I know I was acting frantic, but no one can understand what it’s like going through what we went through. I feel incredible.
"It’s a miracle. He has been bitten by ants and he has fallen over but he is alive. He is alive. It’s amazing.
"My leg, my hips, my ankles, I can’t walk. I have been in the bush for four days with no sleep. We didn’t stop.
'IT'S A MIRACLE'
"He was all wet and he was drinking water … We had searched that area head to toe, SES, police the first day it happened, I went around with the police, I don’t know. It’s a miracle."
Superintendent Tracy Chapman from the Hunter Valley Police District said officers were able to pinpoint the boy after seeing "some movement."
She said: "They were able to clearly identify a small boy in a puddle in a creek bed.
"(Being) so close to water is potentially what gave him that opportunity to survive."
NSW Ambulance’s Gerry Pyke said the three-year-old's spirits "picked up" once he got a cuddle from his mum and dad.
"He was slipping (into sleep) the whole time which (is) not surprising, once he woke up all he wanted to do was eat," Mr Pyke said.
"He got stuck into about three slices of pizza and a banana so he is pretty good."
Mr Elfalak said the boy would be taken to Singleton hospital for a full check-up.
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Family members thrilled little AJ was found alive and well Credit: PA 10
Aj's family were relieved he was found alive after three days of search Credit: PA 10
The young boy's dad with his three sons waiting to see him Credit: PA 10
AJ was found covered in mud after a three-day- search near the family's home 10
The little boy had a few scrapes on his legs but was healthy 10
AJ was fine when he was reunited with mum Kelly
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