New twist in search for missing backpacker after 'unexpected bush find'
Volunteer searchers looking for missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez have reportedly discovered a bush camp near Cape Byron lighthouse.
The makeshift campsite was found near The Pass, about 1km along a path heading west from Cape Byron lighthouse, according to journalist Cathérine Moerkerke of Belgian news site HLN.
She said she has been informed by a source “very close to investigators” but the discovery was currently being kept from the public.
Moerkerke said police have not said whether the discovery of the bush camp site is related to Mr Hayez, and whether it is an area they are exploring.
A police spokeswoman said on Friday the search for clues is continuing on the southern side of the lighthouse towards Tallow Beach, and police divers are searching the ocean in that area.
My 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.
Searches among the headland’s rough terrain have continued throughout the week. Friday marks three weeks since his last sighting.
A NSW Police spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia that they had no information regarding the discovery of a bush campsite.
The spokesperson understands that the Belgian journalist was informed of the campsite by volunteers.
Search for Theo ramped up
Searchers, including herds of volunteers, have been assisted by local abseiling team Brunswick Valley Volunteer Rescue Association, sniffer dogs and drones as efforts to find the young Belgian are ramped up.
Search teams have been handing out photos of Theo's phone, a purple Oppo device, a NSW spokesman confirmed.
Mr Hayez’s 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.
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.
Volunteer Bron Harrison said a community presence helping with the search is continuing to grow.
"It's people in the community who are worried and want to help somehow," she told AAP.
"The community is baffled ... just to disappear off the face of the Earth is incomprehensible."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers website.
With AAP
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