The grieving family of a young boy found dead inside a car only metres from where he was last seen say “there are no words” that can describe their pain.

A frantic search began for the three-year-old boy in the town of Thabeban, near Bundaberg, on Tuesday.

The blond-haired boy wearing a Spider-Man shirt was reported missing by his family soon after he was last seen at a home on Central Ave about 3.30pm.

Police, family and community members desperately searched for hours before the boy was reportedly found dead inside a car, just metres from where he was last seen, about 9.25pm.

Temperatures in the area had reached 30C.

“There are no words that can truly describe the pain of losing a child,” a loved ones said in an online fundraiser set up to support the boy’s mother in organising a funeral service.

“(She) has lost her beautiful little boy far too soon, and our family is devastated.

“During this incredibly difficult time we want to come together as family, friends, and community to help ease some of the burden she is facing.”

The boy’s death has sent shockwaves through the Thabeban community, with one local describing searching through the town by torch light when the sun began to set and others using drones to search wider areas.

Plans were also being arranged to search nearby sugarcane fields that surround the town before the shocking discovery.

“Devastating,” one local said.

“That poor little boy — not the news I was hoping to hear.”

Bundaberg deputy mayor Steve Cooper also commented on the tragedy, sharing an update from police.

“It is with regret that I share this very sad update following yesterday’s search,” he said on Wednesday.

The child’s death is not being treated as suspicious by police.