Police have raided two properties on the NSW mid North Coast in the search for missing toddler William Tyrell who disappeared more than four months ago.
Police are now questioning a repair man, who worked at the home of William’s grandmother, in relation to the three-year-old’s disappearance.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a 63-year-old washing machine repairman named William Harrie Spedding, allegedly gave a quote for repairs at the Kendall home where William was last seen, four days before the three-year-old disappeared in September.
The man has also made multiple posts about the toddler and the ongoing search for him to his Facebook page over the past four months. This included one on December 2 saying “Don’t give up looking….” and another, five days later, asking “Where is he?”.
The Herald has quoted a friend of Mr Spedding who says that the grandfather was “absolutely devastated” that he has been contacted by police.
“Well he’s very, you can imagine, he is very very distressed,” the friend said.
“Look he’s always been a gentleman, there is not too many people like him. He’d do anything for Margaret [his wife].”
“The kids love him, he’s magic,” the friend said.
“He does anything for them, every Saturday they both, they have three young, very sporty children – every weekend they take the kids to sport.”
During the raids on the properties, detectives seized a computer, cars and a single mattress in the extensive search for the missing toddler. The items will now undergo forensic testing.
Excavation crews and a pump arrived at the home earlier today, with reports that the septic tank at the property is being emptied.
It is believed police sought search warrants for the properties after a call from crime stoppers.
William was last seen wearing his Spiderman costume on Friday September 12 around 10.30am playing on the balcony of his grandmother’s house in Kendall on the NSW mid-north coast.
An extensive search of local bushland and waterways in the area when William disappeared in September failed to reveal any trace of the toddler.
Superintendent Paul Fehon, who is leading the investigation, has previously stated that police would have found something by now if the young boy had met misadventure in nearby bushland.
“We are completely open to any possibility, including human intervention,” he said.
It is understood that police have been searching numerous properties for several months in relation to William’s disappearance.
William’s family, who are unable to speak publicly due to a complicated family history, have said through police this is a “very difficult time for them”.
Anyone with information are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
**
**
