Detectives to reassess search for missing man

Police have paused the search for a missing man after four days of combing remote scrubland in the state’s Mid North.

The search for the body of missing man Robert Atkins, who police suspect was murdered in the Mid North in 2020, has been paused until further notice after almost a week of searching remote scrubland.

Officers had hoped for a breakthrough in the search for the missing Christie Downs man after four days of searching a remote area between Peterborough and Orrorroo, but returned to Adelaide on Friday without a major announcement.

However information received by police has led them to a section of land which “warrants further exploration”.

Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Superintendent Des Bray said the information had been passed onto policeon Thursday and would be followed up.

The end of the search came after Supt. Bray said on Thursday it was “impossible” the search would have been completed thisweek

Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Superintendent Des Bray said on Thursday it was “impossible” the search would have been completed this week.

Motorcycle Officers from the Public Transport Safety Section assist Major Crime in searching Peak Rd, North of Peterborough. Picture: Emma Brasier

“It’s been a massive effort by everyone involved,” Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Superintendent Des Bray said.

“Whilst it would have been nice to find him in the long day, it’s obvious that. you know, this has turned into more of a marathon.”

Robert Atkins.

Clothes Robert Atkins was wearing when he was killed. Picture: SAPOL

Police were expected to search a large area on Friday before they returned to Adelaide.

“We’ve identified other areas to search but it will be impossible to complete those searches this week,” he said.

“As to when we come back, that will be determined by the availability of the people involved; we want to stick with the same crew.”

He said five or six calls had been made to Crime Stoppers since the search commenced.

Head of Major Crime, Detective Superintendent Des Bray. Picture: Emma Brasier

Major Crime detectives and officers from the Yorke Mid-North and members of Starforce search bush along Peak Road between Peterborough and Orroroo. Picture: Emma Brasier

The major search operation has involved about 40 officers from local police, Taskforce Southern, Australian Federal Police and the Public Transport Safety Branch.

Mr Atkins was believed to be held against his will and assaulted for up to a week before being murdered.

The man from Christie Downs, in Adelaide‘s south, was reported missing in January 2021 but had not used his mobile phone or bank account since November the year before.

At the time, police said there was “no doubt” Mr Atkins’ murder was a result of a drug-related debt but his body was yet to be located.

A $200,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the recovery of Mr Atkins’ remains.

It is not yet known when the search will resume.