William remains missing in Walhalla area

Local police along with specialist police support units continue to search for missing Latrobe Valley teen, William, after he went missing while camping in Walhalla East Friday afternoon.

Police are hoping to speak to a male and a female who kindly stopped and assisted in the search for William on Friday and may be able to help with further information.

They were traveling on Stoney Creek Road sometime between 7.30pm and 8.30pm in an older white 4WD with a tray and dark coloured canopy.

The 17-year-old was with another teenager when he was last seen in the vicinity of Stoney Creek Road, near T2 Track on 6 November about 4pm.

William, also known as Will, was with another boy to camp for the weekend – when he walked a short distance to another part of their camp.

When he failed to return shortly after, the boy searched the area but found no trace of Will.

Police believe at this stage he may have become disorientated and lost his way in the surrounding terrain.

Police and family members are growing increasingly concerned for Will as he was wearing minimal clothes at the time – a pair of shorts and work boots.

Images of William has been released in the hope someone recognises him, and it assists in the search.

Police have set up a command post in Cowwarr to coordinate the search, which involves local police resources from Maffra, Sale, Rosedale, Morwell, Bairnsdale and bikes from the Gippsland motorcycle branch.

Officers from the Public Order Response Team, Dog Squad, Mounted Branch, Search and Rescue Squad will be on site and searching today with support from State Emergency Services personnel.

Anyone who sights Will is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or with information on his whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the local Sale police station on (03) 5142 2200.

Belinda Batty

Media Unit

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