Police launch fresh search for remains of missing mum Samantha Murphy in bushland near Ballarat

Police launch a fresh search for the remains of the missing mum in bushland just a few kilometers from Ballarat where she went missing on February 4.

Missing Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy. Picture: Adam Trafford

Police have launched a fresh search for the remains of missing mum Samantha Murphy.

Victoria Police has confirmed that specialist units have descended on bushland near Bunninyong, just a few kilometers from Ballarat, where she went missing on February 4.

The search site is off Buninyong Road, about 14km from Ms Murphy’s Eureka St home.

Buninyong Bushland Reserve is also just a couple of kilometres southwest of the house on Yendon No 2 Road where accused man Patrick Stephenson was arrested in the early hours of March 6.

It is believed Stephenson was housesitting the property with his girlfriend at the time of his arrest over the alleged murder of Murphy.

“Police will today conduct a significant search of bushland in the Buninyong area today as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Ballarat East woman Samantha Murphy,” police said in a statement.

Police cars near where police are searching in the Buninyong region.

“A range of specialist units will join Missing Persons Squad investigators including the Search and Rescue Squad, Mounted Branch, Dog Squad, Public Order Response Team and motorcyclists from Road Policing Command as well as local police from Western Region.

“Today’s search will be undertaken in the area of the Buninyong Bushland Reserve and will focus on trying to locate Samantha’s body.

“As such, police are asking that members of the public do not join today’s search efforts at this time.

“The search will focus on an area highlighted by intelligence derived from a number of sources.”

Police cars near the search area.

More to come.