A FOUR-year-old boy who went missing in the Australian outback has been pictured for the first time as the search enters its sixth day.
August “Gus” Lamont, disappeared from his grandparents’ remote property on Saturday, only leaving behind a single footprint.
August ‘Gus’ Lamont, disappeared six days ago
Police said he left behind a single footprint
He was last seen wearing a blue shirt with a Minion from the Despicable Me film on
Police explained the rescue operation was now in the “recovery phase”, with authorities saying it was unrealistic for the boy to survive six days in the wilderness.
The boy was last seen at the homestead about 30km south of Yunta wearing a grey hat, a blue Despicable Me-branded shirt and light grey pants.
Hundreds of searchers have scoured the area, but so far picked up no sign of Gus aside from one footprint.
The singular clue was discovered about 500 metres from the property.
Local cops said: “It’s a very similar boot pattern to what Gus was wearing when he went missing.”
On Thursday, his worried-sick parents released a picture of Gus wearing a Peppa Pig shirt reading “My Mummy”.
Police have used specialist divers, infrared cameras, dogs and drones in the urgent hunt for Gus.
The terrain is harsh, littered with dense scrub and rocky outcrops.
A family friend of Gus made a statement on behalf of his parents.
Bill Harbison said: “This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened.
“Gus’s absence is felt in all of us and we miss him more than words can express.”
He added: “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.”
Police do not currently believe Gus was taken – as the only people who travel on the nearby road are owners of a station.
They said Gus wandering off was “unusual” since he normally stays within the confines of the area.
Cops added: “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.”
Police said the footprint was the “strongest lead we’ve had”.
But they emphasised that time was critical, noting the number of days Gus had been without food, water or shelter.
On Wednesday, the Australian Defence Force confirmed army support had been deployed to help the gruelling search effort.
SA PoliceThe search has entered its sixth day[/caption]
SA PolicePolice have warned Gus may not be alive[/caption]
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
