Prime Minister Scott Morrison almost breaks down learning about girl’s body being found in barrel

Scott Morrison has almost broken down after learning that a missing nine-year-old’s body had been found in a barrel.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has almost broken down in tears when learning mid-press conference that a missing nine-year-old’s body was found in a barrel in the NSW Blue Mountains.

Mr Morrison had initially told reporters he had been following the matter privately and he hoped for the best and that the child was all right.

“I can’t imagine what the parents and their community have been going through,” he said.

“I hope she’s all right. I really do. I’m sure we all do. Let’s hope that that has a good ending.”

A reporter then informed him that police had located the girl’s body and a man had been charged with her murder.

“I’m sorry. I hadn’t seen that before I came out today,” Mr Morrison said, clearly on the verge of tears.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison initially said he hoped for a good outcome in the case of the missing girl. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“That is devastating news.

“I’m very sorry that … since early this morning, I’ve been engaged in other issues, as I’m sure you can imagine.

“Having heard that news, that’s … it’s just … devastating.”

NSW Police had launched a search into the girl’s disappearance after she was reported missing on Friday.

Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said that on Tuesday night they located an area that was of suspicion.

“From late yesterday afternoon, that ground was searched and the barrel was located,” he said.

“Forensic police examined that barrel and the human remains, consistent with the missing nine-year-old girl, have been located.”

Police said that until the post-mortem was conducted they were still uncertain of what exactly happened to her.

“What we will allege is that the accused that we charged with murder was responsible for, firstly, placing her in the barrel, and then disposing of that barrel in the bushland where she was located,” Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.

The 32-year-old man fronted Central Local Court on Wednesday morning after being arrested at a unit in Surry Hills.

He did not apply for bail and it was formally refused until his next appearance at Penrith Local Court on March 18.

Originally published as Prime Minister Scott Morrison almost breaks down learning about girl’s body being found in barrel