The search for two young boys who went missing in North Queensland has ended in tragedy.

An amber alert was issued for the three and five-year-old brothers, who went missing from their family home in Townsville at about 5.30pm.

CCTV footage showed the boys heading towards the nearby Ross River, where they regularly played near the water.

About 100 people and a helicopter spent the night searching for them, but their bodies were found in the river this morning.

The Queensland Police Service have sadly located the bodies of two boys who went missing from Cranbrook yesterday. https://t.co/VEc9lFAyFP

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) February 25, 2019

Senior Sergeant Ian Wilkie has told Channel Seven it appears to be a “tragic incident”.

“Where they’d been jumping in swimming, it’s quite deep and it’s got a steep bank and there are weeds and other debris in that area.

“They looked like they were having fun and it’s turned to tragedy.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family.

“This wasn’t the news we’d hoped for and we’ll do our best to support them.”

Image: Queensland Police