Chris Hemsworth speaks with police in search for missing police officer Jay Notaro

The reason A-lister Chris Hemsworth was captured speaking with police has been revealed as the search for a missing police officer continues.

Hollywood superstar Chris Hemsworth has been spotted chatting with police in his hometown of Byron Bay as the search for a missing police officer Jay Notaro continues.

The footage, which was filmed at Broken Head Reserve just 9km south of Byron Bay, showed Hemsworth surrounded by five police officers and two police cars.

The humble superstar was dressed casually, sporting a singlet, camo board shorts and trainers.

It comes after Detective Inspector Notaro, who was surfing at Hemsworth’s local break at Broken Head, which sits just below the star’s hilltop compound when he was last seen on Tuesday.

But it was also revealed that Notaro was one of Hemsworth’s surfing mates.

The Courier Mail reported Notaro, who lives on the Gold Coast, would travel down from his home on the Gold Coast to surf alongside the likes of Hemsworth and pro surfer Luke Munro.

Notaro had reportedly been staying in the area in the lead up to his 45th birthday.

He had been set to have a birthday celebration with friends on the day before he went missing, but pulled out due to feeling unwell.

Chris Hemsworth converses with police officers at Broken Head Reserve. TikTok/iambeth5

The Thor star lives just a stones-throw away from the reserve. Picture: TikTok/iambeth5

Notaro was last seen on CCTV footage when he pulled into the car park at Broken Head around dawn on Tuesday and he hasn’t been seen since.

The Thor actor rubbed the back of his head as he stood next to an open police paddy wagon and pointed towards the carpark.

The desperate search is currently underway for a high-ranking Queensland police officer who went missing after going for a surf with police utilising sonar and drones as well as police divers and snorkellers.

His surfboard and keys were found at Broken Head Reserve on Tuesday around 12.40pm local time.

Police have reportedly investigated several theories including foul play to self-harm or a surfing mishap.

Although Notaro was never married and didn’t have children, he reportedly recently broke up with his girlfriend.

The search for the 45-year-old was launched at Broken Head about 12.40pm on Tuesday after his board was found abandoned and his vehicle located in the carpark. Picture: NewsWire/ Natalie Grono

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman earlier confirmed the missing man was a member of the force.

“Officers and the member’s family are concerned for their welfare due to the disappearance being considered out of character,” the spokeswoman said.

“A search is under way in an effort to locate the member. Anyone with information that may be able to assist with the whereabouts of the member is asked to contact police.”

Notaro has been described as a “future leader of the police” and a “champion” by his concerned colleagues.

The missing officer has been identified as award-winning detective inspector Jay Notaro. Picture: NewsWire/ Natalie Grono

Family members gathered on Broken Head Beach. Picture: NewsWire/ Natalie Grono

Authorities said crews would focus on areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, particularly in the Broken Head area.

Addresing the media on Wednesday at Broken Head Reserve car park, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer revealed that Detective Notaro is “a very strong swimmer, very experienced surfer” that would be “extremely capable” in the current conditions.

He confirmed that police have extended the search to land and have “aerial, land and water assets”.

Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer at a press conference addressing missing police officer Jay Notaro. Picture: NewsWire/ Natalie Grono

A clip of Hemsworth has amassed over 90,000 views in just under 24 hours.

Aussies were quick to comment about the ongoing search for Detective Notaro.

“A surfer has gone missing on the same beach. He has not been found”, said one user.

“An off duty officer went missing and his board and car are still in a car park. I would guess the police are asking everyone they see for any info”, suggested another.

Speaking to news.com.au, DI Zimmer confirmed that police were speaking with residents and people who had been in the area.

He urges that anyone with information that may be able to assist with the whereabouts of the member is asked to contact police.

Originally published as Chris Hemsworth speaks with police in search for missing police officer Jay Notaro