Tragedy as missing brothers found dead in Queensland river

The bodies of two brothers, aged three and five, have been recovered from a river in North Queensland just a day after they were declared missing.

The youngsters' bodies were discovered in the Ross River in Townsville, near a park where they played together regularly.

About 100 people participated in a search for the boys, who went missing after leaving their house at 5:30pm on Monday (local time).

An amber alert was issued by police after relatives realised they hadn't returned at the normal time and reported their disappearance.

CCTV security cameras captured an image of the pair walking along a nearby road toward the Ross River. It is believed to be the last time they were seen alive.

Police have offered their condolences to the boys' grieving family.