Search for runaway 5-year-old on Gold Coast

An army of police, volunteers and local residents are continuing the search for a 5-year-old girl missing on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Jocelyn hasn't been seen since about 5.30pm local time on Sunday after running away from her parents in Nerang.

More than 150 police and SES volunteers have searched throughout the night for the girl and are now being joined by dozens of worried locals.

Reinforcements have also been sent from Brisbane to replace tired police who worked through the night.

Police moved the search this morning after finding no trace of her near the place she was last seen.

The search is now focused around Hinkler Drive, Explorers Way and Alexander Drive, across the Pacific Highway from the previous search area in Nerang.

Police have appealed for locals to help find Jocelyn.

"We're asking anyone that lives in that area, whether you are a jogger, you are walking around out and about, taking your own children to school to be vigilant to see if you can identify or see this little girl," Chief Superintendent Terry Borland told reporters.

Police are also urging people not to approach the girl if they see her because of a medical condition.

"We're happy for them (members of the public) to call her by name ... (but) at the end of the day we would like you to call police and we will come and approach the little girl."

Jocelyn is described as about 115cm tall with blonde hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a pink top with a lady bird emblem on the front and shorts.

- AAP