A missing 11-year-old boy has been safe - behind the wheel of a sport utility vehicle in downtown Toronto.

The child had last been seen in the Lake Shore Boulevard and Parkside Drive area.

In a tweet sent out shortly after 7 p.m., police said they believed he was driving a black Chevy Equinox.

It was not immediately clear who the vehicle belongs to.

Police confirmed that the boy had been found just before 8 p.m.

"Police have stopped the vehicle," the tweet said.

"The (11-year-old-boy) has been located. He is safe and sound. Thanks for all of your help."

The boy was driving the vehicle when he was pulled over in the Queen Street and Ossington Avenue area, police confirmed.

It was not immediately clear if any charges were pending.