Fabric found as William Tyrrell searchers sift through muddy creekbed

A piece of cloth found in a muddy creekbed has been collected as possible evidence as forensic investigators scour bushland at Kendall. See pictures from scene of the William Tyrrell search.

A piece of cloth found in a muddy creekbed has been collected as possible evidence as forensic investigators scour bushland at Kendall in the desperate search for William Tyrrell’s remains.

The small piece of fabric was found not far from the initial area of interest, as investigators on Friday drained a creek as part of their search.

Day 5 of the William Tyrrell search near Kendall, less than 1km from where he was last seen. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Dr Jon Olley inspects possible evidence found outside the crime scene search area. Picture: Peter Lorimer

The scene at Day 5 of the William Tyrrell search near Kendall, less than 1km from where he was last seen. Picture: Peter Lorimer

The potential evidence was bagged for forensic testing but its significance to the investigation has not yet been determined.

On Wednesday a small piece of red fabric was uncovered in the main search area and compared to a sample Spider-Man suit detectives had brought with them.

That evidence was also sent for analysis.

The scene at Day 5 of the William Tyrrell search near Kendall, less than 1km from where he was last seen. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Hydrologist Dr Jon Olley goes to check a place of interest near a creek bed. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Equipment is used to clear foliage. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Investigators are focusing their efforts on thick bushland off Batar Creek Rd, less than 1km from the Benaroon Dr home where the then-three-year-old was last seen on September 12, 2014.

Rural Fire Service volunteers have been thinning scrub to allow investigators to painstakingly sift through dirt in search of any possible clue to William’s whereabouts.

The fifth day of the search — which commenced after police revealed the boy’s foster mum was a person of interest in the case — saw efforts move away from the late foster grandmother’s home.