Search for missing backpacker focuses on bush at iconic Byron Bay lighthouse
Specialist police will join the search for a Belgian backpacker, missing near Byron Bay, as authorities now focus on a bushy headland near the town's iconic lighthouse.
Theo Hayez, 18, was last seen leaving the holiday town's Cheeky Monkey's bar about 11pm on May 31.
Dozens of people, including State Emergency Service volunteers and members of the public, on Tuesday returned to the area around Cape Byron Lighthouse where the last 'ping' from Theo's phone was recorded on June 1.
The operation will resume mid-morning on Wednesday with specialist police forces.
Limited progress with WhatsApp messages
His distraught father Laurent made an emotional plea for help on Monday, begging encrypted chat service WhatsApp to grant police access to his son's final known conversations.
“It is vital that investigators get access to Theo's WhatsApp account without delay. Every minute counts,” he said.
A WhatsApp spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia on Monday that they were working with NSW Police to provide what information they could.
“We understand the important work being carried out by law enforcement and are assisting them in accordance with applicable law and our terms of service,” they said.
It is understood the messaging giant has been able to provide some basic information including name, last seen date, and IP address but are unable to access the all important contents of his messages.
The search was suspended on Tuesday evening with nothing of interest found but will continue on Wednesday, NSW Police said in a statement.
Belgian police are also working in Europe to speak with people Theo may have contacted in his final known hours.
More than $65,000 has been raised via a GoFundMe page for the Hayez family, part of which was used to help Laurent Hayez fly to Australia.
Mr Hayez arrived in the country late last week and has vowed to stay until his son is found.
With AAP
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