Grave fears for Doveton man missing for a month after altercation

Investigators scouring bushland in Cranbourne for a missing Doveton man have packed up their search for the day, but are expected to return.

Investigators trying to find a missing Doveton man, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances, have not given up hope of finding Brendon Farrell.

Mr Farrell, 32, was last seen on May 31 at an address in Kidd Rd, Doveton.

Missing Persons Squad detectives, the Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch and drone unit honed in on parkland off Cemetery Rd on Tuesday in a bid to solve the disturbing case.

The expansive surrounds include Cranbourne Cemetery and Cranbourne Racecourse.

Missing persons squad chief detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said police received information that led them to search the area near Cemetery Rd.

Missing man Brendon Farrell. Picture: Victoria Police`

Police search bushland in Cranbourne. Picture: David Crosling

Insp Stamper said the combined search and rescue and public order response team were searching approximately 20ha of bushland, which included an old racecourse and rubbish tip.

He said Mr Farrell had been mixing with people “from the wrong side of the tracks”.

Insp Stamper said there was “certainly evidence of what I’m calling a violent altercation” at the Kidd Rd address the night Mr Farrell was last seen.

“The people that frequent that address would not feel inclined to come forward (with information).”

Last week Mr Farrell’s family made a heartfelt plea for information about the missing 32-year-old.

Mr Farrell is believed to have vanished after an altercation at his Kidds Rd home on May 31.

His bank account and phone network have not been accessed since he was last seen by a friend around 12.30pm that day.

Insp Stamper said they “currently hold grave fears for Brendon’s welfare”.

“His disappearance is considered to be very much out of character,” he said.

His family reported him missing to police on June 2 and his bike — which he used for transport as he did not have access to a car — is also missing.

Det Insp Stamper said Mr Farrell’s family was “desperate for answers”.

“Investigators are keen to know more about the altercation that has taken place at the Kidds Rd property on the day he was last seen, particularly who was present at the time,” he said. “This will provide some further avenues of inquiry for us.

“Police are also still uncertain what the motivation was for this altercation.

“Over the past four weeks both Missing Persons Squad and local detectives have made a significant number of inquiries in order to try and establish Brendon’s whereabouts, however we haven’t been able to locate him.

“We’re appealing for anyone who does have information, whether that is about this altercation or where Brendon may currently be, to come forward and contact police.

“Brendon’s family are desperate for answers and we’re hoping that someone will do the right thing and provide them.”

Police called off the search early in the afternoon, but said detectives would revisit the area near the parkland for a further search in the coming weeks or days.

Missing Persons Squad detectives joined the Public Order Response Team and Mounted Branch Police to hone in on the area. Picture: David Crosling

Drones were also deployed to scour the parkland. Picture: David Crosling

His family will make a public appeal on Thursday morning.

Mr Farrell is described as being around 168cm with a slim to medium build and shaved reddish hair.

His home on Kidds Rd is a rear bungalow, behind a main building and investigators believe he was wearing a black tracksuit on the day he was last seen.

Police have released an image of Mr Farrell in the hope someone can identify him and provide information about his current whereabouts.

Anyone with information about Brendon’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au