Shyanne-Lee Tatnell: New items ‘seized’ as car images released

Authorities have released fresh information in relation to the disappearance of 14-year-old Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, including the existence of new items of interest that had been “seized”.

Shyanne-Lee. Picture: Facebook

Police say three vehicles could potentially hold the key to the disappearance of 14-year-old Burnie teen Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, who vanished after walking over a bridge nearly a month ago.

Meanwhile, Tasmania Police hold high hopes that additional items of interest “seized” late last week and currently with the lab for forensic analysis are able to shed new light on the case.

The fresh information and appeal comes after police hit pause last week on searches of the North Esk River.

Shyanne-Lee was last seen crossing the Henry St bridge towards Ravenswood just before 9pm on Sunday, April 30.

Vehicle 1. Picture: Tasmania Police.

Inspector Craig Fox said on Tuesday morning that investigations continued and called on to the public to help identify three vehicles seen driving near Henry St on the night Shyanne went missing.

Vehicle 2. Picture: Tasmania Police.

“It is possible the driver and any occupants in these vehicles may have seen something that can assist police with the ongoing investigation into Shyanne-Lee’s disappearance,” Insp Fox said.

The first two vehicles appear to be silver sedans, one of them possibly a Holden Commodore with a spoiler, while the third has the appearance of a van similar to a Holden Odyssey. .

Vehicle 3. Picture: Tasmania Police.

“I urge the drivers of these vehicles to come forward, they may have a valuable piece of information that could assist us to locate Shyanne-Lee or track her movements,” he said.

Providing a further update on Tuesday afternoon, Insp Fox said that police were awaiting forensic lab results of a number of “items of interest” that had been “seized” by police last week.

He declined to comment further on the items, save to say police expected the analysis results back by the end of the week.

Insp Fox said police weren’t “silly” and understood there was now a slim chance of discovering the missing girl alive.

“We always hope that in any missing person investigation they are alive and that is the absolute goal for Tasmania Police,” he said.

Tasmania Police Inspector Craig Fox providing an update in Launceston on May 23, 2023, regarding the disappearance of 14-year-old Launceston girl Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, not seen since the evening of April 30, 2023. Picture: Alex Treacy

“We’re not silly. We know that if this goes on much longer, then the chances of a successful outcome are getting slimmer by the day, but we have to maintain that as our focus: to find a missing person alive.”

He said it was unlikely search and rescue officers would return to the river unless there was new and compelling information, as that avenue had been “exhausted”.

He said the investigation now predominantly resided with a squad of criminal investigation detectives, aided by uniform police.

“Every time we have a missing person, we do have a criminal investigation running alongside it, that is common practice,” Insp Fox said. Anyone with information in relation to the vehicles or drivers is urged to contact Launceston CIB on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers through crimestopperstas.com.au

Police pause search after ‘no sign’ of missing teen

May 18: After more than a fortnight and “no sign” of missing Burnie teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, Tasmania Police have paused the North Esk River search efforts.

“After extensive searching in the area over two and a half weeks, there has unfortunately been no sign of Shyanne,” Inspector Craig Fox said.

“Police have continued to be in close contact with Shyanne’s family, and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

“Yesterday we conducted another sweep of the North Esk River with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, which unfortunately did not deliver any results.”

‘I need her home’: Mother of missing Burnie teen

Tasmania Police Inspector Craig Fox speaking about the disappearance of Burnie teen Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, 14, from Launceston on April 30, 2023. Picture: Alex Treacy

Inspector Fox said while the large scale search of the area had been paused, the investigation remained active and inquiries were continuing.

“We are forensically testing further items of interest that have been located over the past fortnight,” he said.

“Shyanne has still not been seen or heard from since Sunday, 30 April, and we have serious concerns for her welfare.”

“If anyone has information about her disappearance we are again urging them to do the right thing and contact us, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.”

Missing Launceston teen Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, 14, was last seen crossing Launceston's Henry St bridge, heading towards Ravenswood, just after 8.30pm Sunday, April 30, 2023. Picture: Alex Treacy

Earlier this week, police confirmed forensic testing had determined items located in the North Esk River last week — a number of mobile phones — were not related to Shyanne’s disappearance.

When 14-year-old Shyanne was last seen she was wearing bike shorts and a cream hoodie, with dark writing across the chest and shoulder.

She is described as being about 160cm tall with a slim build and blonde hair.

Anyone with information that will assist the investigation should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania – information can be provided anonymously.

Originally published as Shyanne-Lee Tatnell: New items ‘seized’ as car images released