Police scour bushland in suspicious disappearance of Wayne Pedro Morseu
The sister of a Queensland man not seen since October has made a desperate appeal for help to find the former railway worker as police fears for him grow.
The sister of a Queensland man not seen since October has made an emotional appeal for public help to find the former railway worker as police fears for him grow.
Police and SES volunteers were on Tuesday scouring bushland in West Mackay as the investigation into missing man Wayne Pedro Morseu ramps up.
The 71 year old was last seen in mid to late October and officially reported missing on November 10 and investigations have led detectives to believe it is suspicious.
Mackay police on Tuesday revealed they have started searching bushland in West Mackay as part of the ongoing investigation.
Specialist police and State Emergency Services have been involved in land searches but have not yet located any items of interest.
Officers also initially declared crime scenes at two properties in Mackay – Mr Morseu’s home at Griffin St and a two-storey property on River St.
A number of clothing items as well as other items related to rubbish were found in bins at the Griffin St property and underwent forensic testing.
Angelina Morseu bravely fronted media on Tuesday, begging for the public’s help to find her brother.
“On behalf of our family I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for the community’s help to find my much loved brother Wayne.
She said her brother’s disappearance was totally out of character.
“We hold growing concerns for his welfare.
“Wayne is a much loved and cherished part of our family and a familiar face in the Mackay community.
“Those who know him would know how deeply we care for him and how worried we are.’’
“We ask anyone who has information about Wayne’s disappearance to come forward, no matter how big or small that information may seem.’’
“Your information could make all the difference in finding our brother Wayne.’’
Currently, no one is in custody in relation to this investigation however police continue to speak to people who know Mr Morseu.
Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow told media on Tuesday that police were investigating whether another party was involved and had enlisted the support of the Brisbane Homicide Unit’s intelligence division.
Forensic police were continuing to examine items from Mr Morseu’s Griffin Street residence but had found no evidence of any struggle.
He said Mr Morseu did not have a vehicle and walked a lot around Mackay so would be well known to locals.
“He has not been seen now since mid to late October which is totally out of character for him.
“We are treating it at the moment as suspicious.
Det Supt Shadlow said there was no suggestion Mr Morseu had been living in the River Street property or nothing to show there were any drugs involved.
However, there had been people at the River Street address who had been at Mr Morseu’s home.
Police said any information on Mr Morseu’s movements were vital.
“We are really trying to nail down a timeline to be as specific as we can.’’
“We have spoken to quite a number of people so far and we intend to speak to more.
“We are looking into everything. We are looking into people who had been residing at that residence with him. Clothing items were located. “We are sifting through those.’’
“We are just leaving no stone unturned.”
Asked if the public could join search parties, Det Supt Shadlow said: “At this stage we don’t have anywhere to search.’’
“He lived at home. He did walk a lot. “We are obviously very hopeful Mr Morseu will walk back through the door to his family.’’
Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts or information about the missing person is urged to contact police immediately.
Mr Morseu is described as First Nations with a slim build, grey hair and brown eyes.
Investigations are ongoing.
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Originally published as Police scour bushland in suspicious disappearance of Wayne Pedro Morseu
