‘Someone’s done something to him’: Mother’s fears over son missing for 10 days

Police have refused to rule out foul play over the disappearance of a Melbourne man, as his heartbroken mother begged for people to help her find her “baby”.

Police have refused to rule out foul play over the disappearance of Justin Males. Picture: Supplied

Police have refused to rule out foul play over the disappearance of a Melbourne man, as his heartbroken mother begged for people to help her find her “baby”.

Justin Males, who also goes by the name Justin Bernard, has now been missing for more than 10 days.

His heartbroken mother Lisa Males said “someone’s done something to him” and pleaded for anyone with information about her 34-year-old’s son’s whereabouts to come forward.

“In my heart and in my gut, someone knows something,” she said.

“He’s somewhere and we have to find him.”

Mrs Males said her loving son would never have missed her birthday, so when he failed to wish her a happy birthday last week she knew something was not right.

“He might be 34 but he’s still my baby,” she said.

Missing Melton man Justin Males. Picture: Victoria Police

Police have released CCTV footage in their search. Picture: Supplied

Mr Males was spotted on camera walking towards Toolern Creek, from Barries Road in Melton, about 6.50pm on July 11.

It’s not clear why he had been heading to the creek.

Police said Mr Males had two phones but there had been no activity on either since he went missing, after being dropped off at home by a long-time friend, Amber Lindsay.

It’s understood he then went for a walk, and had not been seen since.

Investigators are keen to speak to a man they believe Mr Males went on a date with, who he met via the app Grindr, earlier that day.

A Victoria Police spokesman said an extensive search had been conducted of the creek and nearby Melton Botanic Garden and Darlingsford Lake areas over the past several days but there had been no sign of Mr Males.

The 34-year-old was spotted on camera walking towards Toolern Creek. Picture: Supplied

He was seen on camera about 6.50pm on July 11. Picture: Supplied

Mr Males is described as caucasian, about 180cm tall with a medium build, short dark hair and has limited use of his right arm as a result of a medical stroke.

Fighting back tears, Ms Lindsay described her best friend as “an incredible human being”.

He was last seen wearing a black long sleeved KSCY-brand hooded top, red camouflage three-quarter-length pants and black runners.

Police have released images of Mr Males in the hope someone may recognise him and know of his current whereabouts.

Anyone with information or anyone that may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact Melton Police Station on [phone].