Man abducts toddler near Cairns

Queensland detectives have released a photograph of a two-year-old boy who has been abducted from the state's far north as they appeal for urgent help.

Police have appealed for help as a two-year-old boy was abducted by a man in north Queensland. (AAP) Source: QUEENSLAND POLICE

A two-year-old boy has been abducted by a man in far north Queensland.

Oliver Steer was taken from a home at Edmonton, south of Cairns, around 2pm on Thursday.

The man who abducted him is believed to be known to the child and is driving a silver Ford Falcon with the Queensland registration 726TYN.

Police say the car, which bears a small "Genesis" sticker on the rear, was last seen heading south on the Bruce Highway near Ingham.

They have appealed for urgent help from the public to find the boy, fearing his welfare could be at risk.

Oliver was last seen wearing a Thomas the Tank Engine shirt and denim shorts.

He has olive skin, light brown hair and brown eyes.

His abductor has light brown hair, brown eyes and a medium build, and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts and was carrying a dark backpack.

Police released an image of Oliver on Thursday evening as part of the effort to find him.