Tasmania breaking news: Search for Ashleigh McMillan, Benjamin Eyles, who may be interstate
The Mercury understands the two children alongside the 36 and 48-year-old belong to the pair, and the concern for welfare does not involve allegations of kidnapping or abduction. Here’s what we know.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
For the latest, follow The Beat, the Mercury’s live breaking news blog with the latest traffic, police, fire and ambulance news across the state.
October 20, 9am: Tasmania Police has issued a concern for welfare seeking four people, two adults and two children, last seen at a Hobart hotel between 9pm Wednesday – 5pm Thursday.
The Mercury understands that the two children with 36-year-old Ashleigh McMillan and 48-year-old Benjamin Eyles are the pair’s own.
Police say they now believe Ms McMillan and Mr Eyles and the two children have travelled interstate.
They may be travelling in a Green 2003 Toyota Hilux (rego L09FD) which may be towing a camo green 1996 Cavalier camper trailer (rego WT2815), police believe.
The Mercury understands the concern for welfare does not involve allegations of kidnapping or abducting the children.
Anyone who has seen the group, or know of their movements, is urged to contact Tasmania Police.
Teen’s last movements before six-hour search
Update: The last known movements of a teenager who died in a quadbike crash near Wynyard have been shared by police – as the next stage in the investigation into the accident is outlined.
Speaking to media on Thursday afternoon, Inspector Adrian Shadbolt said the 16-year-old Wynyard boy had left home at about 4pm on Wednesday to go quad-biking at the forestry tracks “out the back” of Wynyard.
At about 9pm, Inspector Shadbolt said, the teen’s family had called police when the boy had failed to return home.
“As a result, a search was conducted by family, friends and police of the tracks known to being used, and tracks around that area,” Inspector Shadbolt said.
“Sadly, at about 3am [on Thursday], the 16-year-old was located deceased … down [an] embankment at Minnies Rd at Wynyard.”
He said police had attended the scene to investigate and conduct inquiries, and that a report would now be prepared for the coroner.
As for the family’s response to the incident, Inspector Shadbolt said he could only imagine that they would be “devastated”.
He said that he believed the teenager may have been familiar with the tracks.
October 19, 8am:
A teenage boy has tragically died after a ride-on crash in the state’s North West.
Tasmania Police were called on Wednesday afternoon after the 16-year-old’s family could not get in contact with the child.
“A search then located the male down an embankment in the early hours of this morning,” Tasmania Police said.
The incident is now under investigation by the Western Crash Investigation Services.
Minnies Rd and Smith Rd at Wynyard is currently closed while emergency services are at the scene.
“People are asked to avoid the area until police have finalised their investigations.”
Anyone with any information relating to a red Honda quad bike in the area after 4pm on the 18th of October 2023 is asked to contact police on 131444 or via Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.
Devonport businesses flooded
October 19, 2:45pm
Police are investigating the flooding of several businesses in Devonport early this morning, with detectives suspecting the damage was caused by a person.
Authorities rushed to the corner of Best and Rooke Streets about 5am on Thursday, after receiving reports of flooding at several shops.
TasWater was also called to assist, but several ground floor businesses were damaged.
Police are now calling for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
‘Excessive speed’, wrong side of highway: Brothers’ crime spree ends in stolen car crash
October 18, 2.54pm:
A pair of brothers have been charged and will appear in court after an alleged crime spree on the Eastern shore this past week.
Tasmania Police allege the pair, aged 17 and 19, stole multiple vehicles at Howrah and Bellerive.
They are also alleged to have stolen car keys and a vehicle from a home which had not been locked.
At the time of this alleged offence, the occupants of the home were asleep, police say.
It is further alleged the 17-year-old later evaded police while behind the wheel of one of the stolen cars – a white Mitsubishi Triton.
“[It is alleged the teenager] drove dangerously along the East Derwent Highway between Gagebrook and the Risdon Vale roundabout,” Tasmania Police said.
Motorists were allegedly forced off the road in the evasion incident.
Tasmania Police said the Mitsubishi dual cab ute was seen driving at “excessive speeds” while on the wrong side of the highway before allegedly crashing into the
passenger side of another vehicle – who was driving on the correct side of the highway.
The driver of the second vehicle was not injured, but their car was damaged.
Those who saw the Triton on the east Derwent Highway at about 1.30pm on Tuesday, or who may have dashcam footage, is asked to contact 131 444.
The 19-year-old was remanded in custody and will appear in court at a later date.
The 17-year-old appeared before a youth justice court today.
Detective Sergeant Felicity Boyd of the Bellerive CIB encouraged Tasmanians to lock up, even when they’re at home.
“People should be able to leave their homes and cars unlocked but the reality is an unlocked house or vehicle is a target for offenders, who are often opportunistic,” she said.
Why emergency services will swarm on Tassie airport
October 18, 8.45am
Emergency responders and volunteers will swarm on a southern Tasmanian airport today – but residents should not be alarmed, police say.
A number of emergency services personnel and volunteers will descend on Hobart Airport from 9am and 3.30pm on Wednesday as part of a planned training exercise.
Inspector Jon Cooper said the training was a requirement of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), in order to test the airport emergency plan.
As part of the training, personnel will take part in planned emergency response training.
“I assure anyone who sees a heightened level of emergency services at the Hobart Airport today that there is no need for concern,” Inspector Cooper said.
“We are undertaking planned training for emergency services to practice and refine their response in a lifelike and safe environment.”
Despite the increased presence at the airport, the exercise is not set to disrupt regular scheduled passenger flights.
“On behalf of everyone involved, we thank the public and any travellers for their co-operation and understanding while we conduct this necessary training exercise today,” Inspector Cooper said.
Children assaulted in ‘targeted incident’, police say
October 15, 12:02pm
Police say children were among those assaulted in an alleged incident in Wynyard yesterday, leading to two people being charged.
Authorities were called to Gutteridge Gardens, a memorial garden, at Goldie Street, in relation to a disturbance.
They later arrested two people, a 23 year old Wynyard man and an 18 year Burnie woman.
The two were charged with multiple counts of common assault.
Police say those involved were known to each other, alleging it was a targeted incident.
The duo were bailed and will appear at the Burnie Magistrates Court at a later date.
Originally published as Tasmania breaking news: Search for Ashleigh McMillan, Benjamin Eyles, who may be interstate
What could thwart Kangaroo Bay Hotel, even if it is approved
The Kangaroo Bay Hotel has been declared a ‘major project’, but there’s a glaring complication which could arise, even if it’s approved, as both parties claim ownership of the waterfront land.
Lambie MP maintains budget rage with rare move
Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner has maintained his one-man opposition to the state budget in a rare move as it passed through the House of Assembly.