Abandoned motorcycle sparks search for missing Toowoomba dad Derrick Hearn after motorbike found

Rain has not stopped police from stepping up an intensive search east of Brisbane for missing Toowoomba father Derrick Hearne after his motorcycle was found abandoned.

Bushland on Chelsea Road where police are searching the local Tingalpa Creek for missing man Derrick Hearne. Picture: Google

Rain has not stopped police from stepping up a search of creek beds and bushland in and around Capalaba and the northern suburbs of Redland city for Derrick Hearne, a 43-year-old Toowoomba man reported missing on Saturday.

The search was launched along Chelsea Rd in Ransome on Sunday after the discovery of Mr Hearne’s abandoned motorcycle.

Mr Hearne’s family reported him missing after he failed to return home and his distinctive Harley Davidson was found in a relatively secluded area, prompting immediate concern.

The search effort includes ground patrols and aerial support, along with police calls for CCTV footage of the area over the weekend with police helicopters scouring nearby Tingalpa creek areas and dense bushland for any signs of the Toowoomba father.

Community members have taken to social media, with friends and family members expressing worry and sharing memories of the father who is described as devoted to his children.

Facebook posts have made suggestions that CCTV footage may have picked up images of the man at some places in and around Wynnum over the weekend including a pizza restaurant.

The online community has flooded Mr Hearne’s family with messages of support and empathy.

Redland bush is being scoured for missing Toowoomba man Derrick Hearne.

“Hope he is OK. I can only imagine how frightened his family is,” one comment read, while family member Mel Boesten, requested that people in the area keep an eye out, hoping for a safe return.

One local suggested he might have been seen pushing a pram with a woman at a nearby Halloween event, although this report remains unverified.

Others raised concerns about the possibility of mechanical issues or a depleted fuel tank, speculating that he may have left the motorcycle in search of help.

Police said all emergency services had been called in to help scour the bushland area around Chelsea Rd, a fairly up-market suburb dominated by homes on acreage.