Byron Bay search for missing teen Theo Hayez called off

Police have suspended their search for a backpacker missing from the Byron Bay area. But their investigation remains ongoing as new details emerge.

POLICE have suspended a search for missing Belgian teenager Theo Hayez more than a month after he disappeared.

The 18-year-old backpacker was last seen around 11pm on May 31 at a hotel, but police were not alerted until June 6 when he failed to return to his hostel.

Officers from multiple NSW Police Force units have since conducted extensive land, air and sea searches in an attempt to find any trace of him.

SES search Belongil Creek in the search for any clues about Theo’s disappearance.

Further searches were conducted this week with the NSW Police Rescue Squad near the Byron Bay lighthouse.

Three officers from the Belgian Federal Police also arrived over the weekend to observe the investigation. Investigations continue despite the physical search being called off.

Tweed Byron Police Commander Superintendent Dave Roptell thanked the Byron Bay community and local volunteers who assisted.

“It’s times like this which show the strength of our community,” he said.

Security camera footage shows Theo’s (in black hoodie, beige pants) final movements.

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“Throughout the entire investigation we have been liaising with the Belgian Federal Police, keeping them informed of our progress and work collaboratively with them.

“Belgian authorities have been appreciative of the work being undertaken.

“We met with Theo’s family today and we send our thoughts to them all, both here in Australia and abroad.”

New details emerged late last month about Theo’s final movements, revealing he was asked to leave a bar by security just hours before his disappearance.

His family arrived in Australia shortly after he was reported missing. (Photo by Handout / NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE / AFP)

He was seen on a bottle shop’s security camera around 7.45pm with Antoine Van Laethem, 19, a fellow Belgian backpacker from his hostel.

“We went out together after leaving the hostel and we arrived with some other people from the hostel and then everyone talked with other people,” Mr Van Laethem said.

“I sent him a message the day after but he never answered and six days later his cousin sent me and told me he’d gone missing for about a week.”

Theo’s family have requested privacy at this time.