Missing boys Peter and David Woodforde have been located with a family member safe and well.

SAPOL has issued a statement saying missing persons investigations are often complex and to protect the privacy of families, it will only seek assistance from the public when necessary.

"The Department of Child Protection (DCP) were taking steps to remove the boys from family members.  As a result, the two boys avoided DCP staff, leading to them being reported missing on Tuesday 20 September.  

"From this time, SAPOL has conducted an investigation in conjunction with DCP to help locate Peter and David. This included multiple appeals to the family and friends of the children.

"Police suspected people known to Peter and David were harbouring them.  Police published a media release and images seeking public assistance on Sunday. This resulted in SAPOL being contacted and advised of the children’s location.

"Social media comments suggesting there was a lack of action on the part of SAPOL are totally without foundation and the inference that a person’s ethnic or cultural background would influence our response is completely offensive."