By Danielle Kutchel
The search for a missing Doveton man has moved to the Cranbourne scrub.
Victoria Police began searching parkland off Cemetery Road on Tuesday 6 July, as part of the Missing Persons Squad investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Brendon Farrell.
The 32-year-old was last seen by a friend around 12.30pm on Monday 31 May at his home address on Kidds Road in Doveton.
His disappearance was considered out of character and family members subsequently reported him missing to police on 2 June.
His bank accounts and phone have not been touched since his disappearance.
Members of the Missing Persons Squad, Public Order Response Team, search and rescue team and the mounted branch converged on the location before midday, with the search expected to continue into the afternoon.
Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper from Victoria Police told media that police were “reasonably confident” of finding something connected to Mr Farrell – or even the missing man’s body.
“There was certainly evidence at a house on Kidds Road of what I’m calling a violent altercation,” he said.
“Clearly the fact that Brendon hasn’t been seen since that time … we know he was sadly mixing in some pretty bad circles, that’s what leads us to the sad hypothesis that he’s met with foul play.”
Det. Ins. Stamper would not say what specific information had led police to the area, but said that information picked up during the investigation had guided the search.
“The fact that we’re here is significant,” he said.
“We wouldn’t be doing this if we weren’t reasonably hopeful we were going to get some answers.”
The area being searched is around 50 acres in size and is punctuated by dams and thick blackberry patches, meaning it was taking police some time to get through.
The searchers were being supported by police drones.
Det. Ins. Stamper urged anyone in the community with information on Mr Farrell’s disappearance to get in touch with police.
“Now is the time to come and talk to us,” he said.
“We’re very committed to finding Brendon and finding out what happened to him.”
Mr Farrell is described as being around 168cm tall with a slim to medium build and shaved reddish hair.
It’s believed he was wearing a black tracksuit at the time he was last seen.
Anyone with information about his disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
