Major update in desperate search for young boy who disappeared from his family’s outback station
A child’s footprint has been discovered on the fourth day of the desperate search for a four-year-old boy who wandered off on his family’s sprawling sheep station.
August, also known as Gus, was last seen playing in sand near the home, roughly 40km south of Yunta in South Australia’s Mid North, about 5pm on Saturday.
The little boy was last seen wearing a grey broad-brimmed hat, blue long-sleeved shirt with a Minion picture from the movie Despicable Me on the front, light grey pants, and boots, which will help protect him from the elements.
Police have thrown everything at the search for Gus, including specialist divers to check water tanks and dams, infrared cameras, dogs, ATVs, and drones.
Yorke Mid North Superintendent Mark Syrus told ABC Radio Adelaide on Wednesday morning that the ‘prominent’ footprint was found the previous afternoon.
The footprint was discovered about 500m from the property’s homestead.
‘We’ve positively identified that it’s a child’s footprint,’ Superintendent Syrus said.
‘It’s a very similar boot pattern to what Gus was wearing when he went missing
Family friend Bill Harbison (pictured) said Gus’ loved ones were ‘devastated’
The search continues for the four-year-old who was last seen at his home near Yunta
Police have brought in specialist divers (pictured) to search dams and water tanks
They will be looking for footprints, clothing and any other signs of little Gus. However, the sheer size of the 6,000-hectare property has made the search difficult.
‘As you can see, it’s pretty low-lying, undulating countryside,’ Superintendent Mark Syrus told a press conference this week.
‘There’s some bluebush, which you would anticipate would be pretty easy to see, but as you can see from the enormity of the property here, it’s expansive.
‘That’s why we’ve put as many resources as we possibly can into finding young Gus. This poor lad just four years old and very close to the family so they’re devastated.’
Family friend Bill Harbison read a statement on their behalf on Tuesday.
‘This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened,’ it read.
‘Gus’ absence is felt in all of us and we miss him more than words can express.
‘Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely.
‘At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we focus all our energy on supporting the search and working closely with the police.’
South Australia Police have not released photos of Gus as per his family’s wishes.
Superintendent Mark Syrus (pictured) said it was unusual for Gus to wander off
A large number of volunteers have assisted SA Police in searching for Gus (pictured)
Gus was last seen wearing a long-sleeve shirt with a Minion on the front (example above) which his family hopes has protected him from ‘uncomfortable’ weather
Police do not believe Gus has been taken, noting that only people who would travel on this road are station owners.
Supt Syrus said it was ‘unusual’ for Gus to wander as he ‘normally stays within the confines of the area’.
‘But, who knows what goes through a four-year-old’s mind?’ he said.
‘We understand he’s a pretty quiet sort of lad but he is, as you know, a country lad and he’s pretty adventurous as well.
‘But him moving out of the area is a little bit unusual.’
Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
