Police have scaled back their search for missing three-year-old William Tyrell, nine days after he disappeared from his grandmother’s home on the NSW Mid North Coast.
On Sunday police confirmed that the search would now shift its focus to the pieces of information they have received since the toddler’s unexplained disappearance.
About 70 police and volunteers have been conducting a massive search operation in the dense scrub around the area of Kendall.
Despite the marathon search effort and a door-knocking campaign there has been no trace of William who was last seen wearing a Spider-Man costume at about 10.30am on Friday, September 12, at his grandmother’s property in Benaroon Drive.
Following a meeting with the Kendall local community yesterday afternoon Operation Commander, Superintendent Paul Fehon, paid tribute to the dedication and commitment shown by all those involved in the search and a letter of thanks from William’s parents was read to those present.
“Thank you does not seem like the right sort of word to express our gratitude and heartfelt warmth we feel towards each and every one of you,” the letter said.
“We have been completely overwhelmed with the way the public, SES, Surf Life Saving, RFS and the police have rallied together to find our little Spider-Man William.
“You didn’t know us and we didn’t know you, but today we feel that we are a part of your extended community and we are warmed and comforted by the way you have shared our love for William.”
William’s family also expressed the hope that William would come home fulfil his dream of becoming a firefighter.
Investigators are reportedly looking at “human intervention” as the possible cause behind William’s disappearance and police are also speaking with all known sex offenders in the region.
CASE FACTS
When was William last seen?
William disappeared from his grandmother’s home in Benaroon Drive, Kendall, on the NSW Mid North Coast at 10:30am on September 12.
Police believe the toddler disappeared in a five-minute window while playing alongside his sister in his grandmother’s yard.
What does he look like?
William has been described as being of Caucasian appearance with dark hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a Spider Man suit.
What is being done to find him?
Police, SES volunteers and members of the public have searched an area of more than 50sq kilometres including bushland and waterways.
Strike Force Rosann has been formed to investigate the disappearance and investigators have engaged in a door-to-door campaign of the Kendall community to gather information.
What have police found?
So far searchers have failed to find any trace of William and last week police said it was unlikely that the toddler would have survived after nine days in the bush.
Was he abducted?
Police are treating the investigation as a search for a missing child, but have not ruled out the possibility of abduction.
Police are reportedly speaking with all known sex offenders in the region.
Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
