Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a mother and child reported missing after checking out of a hotel.

Manna Sinclair, whose maiden name Yoshimoto, 29, and her seven-year-old son Mantaro were last seen checking out of a hotel near to Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh, at around 11.55am on Wednesday.

They were reported missing this afternoon.

The 29-year-old, a Japanese national, lives in the Tullibody area of Clackmannanshire, however she and her son are now believed to be in the Edinburgh area.

Police have reason to believe that they may be staying in another Edinburgh hotel tonight.

Inspector Nick Young said: "We are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of both Manna and Mantaro and are eager to trace them as soon as possible.

"Anyone who may have seen them in Edinburgh City Centre today, or who may have seen them checking into a hotel, is asked to contact police immediately."

Manna is described as a slim woman of Japanese descent. She is around 5ft 5 in height and has long black hair. She was last seen wearing a black vest and possibly a green jacket.

Mantaro is described as a male child of Japanese descent. He is under 4ft in height and has a slim build.

When last seen he was wearing a white t-shirt and had a red rucksack on his back. He is likely to be carrying a brown teddy bear.

Anyone with information regarding Manna and Mantaro's whereabouts is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.