SA Police say their phone lines are being tied up with unwelcome speculation about the fate of missing four-year-old boy Gus in South Australia’s mid-north.
On Thursday afternoon, police published a photo of the four-year-old as the search effort continues near the rural town of Yunta, in South Australia’s remote outback.
The search entered its seventh day on Friday with no further clues leading to his whereabouts.
On Friday, the presence of police personnel, SES volunteers and the Australian Defence Force had noticeably decreased around the homestead.However, SES, ADF and SAPOL vehicles were still observed driving around the property, with volunteers also seen on foot.
Senior Constable Peter Williams told ABC Radio Adelaide police phone lines had been “inundated” with information since the photo was released yesterday.
“I do remind people that the purpose of the image going out is for anyone who’s got actual information that may assist the investigation,” Senior Constable Williams said.
“We just ask people, we’re not after your opinions. We’re after help with the investigation.
“If it is just an opinion, perhaps keep it to yourself, but if you’ve got factual information, feel free to give us a call and provide that.”
‘Very difficult time’
Gus was last seen playing in sand on his family’s sheep station, about 40 kilometres south of Yunta, late Saturday afternoon.
More than 100 police, SES and community volunteers have been involved in the daily search effort, assisted by sniffer dogs, drone and helicopter assets.
On Tuesday, a footprint was discovered around 500 metres from the homestead where Gus was last seen.
Officer in charge of the Yorke and Mid North region, Superintendent Mark Syrus said it’s possible the print might have been left by Gus in the days before his disappearance.
Mr Williams said the search entering its seventh day had marked a “very difficult time” for those on the ground searching.
“The reality is, unless he’s come across a water source or vegetation to be able to provide some sort of food source, the outcome could be more grim,” he said.
“We had cadets up there the other day, we’ve had plenty of community members helping out, getting involved in this and with obviously the photo went out yesterday.”
“The reality is they’re not giving up hope.”
