The desperate search for a boy with down syndrome and autism has ramped up, with the child now missing from Sydney’s west for two days.
Hussein Al Mansoory, aged 12, was last seen running from Auburn Memorial Park towards the intersection of Station Road and Rawson Street, Auburn, about 10.30am Saturday.
A member of the public spotted the boy at about 9pm on Saturday near Norval Street in Auburn but he was gone by the time police arrived.
CCTV confirmed he did not board a train at the nearby Auburn station with SES volunteers now knocking on doors and searching backyards in the hopes Hussein will turn up.
The search will resume on Monday morning, with police and Hussein’s family holding grave concerns due to the fact he is non-verbal.
Hussein Al Mansoory, aged 12, was last seen running from Auburn Memorial Park towards the intersection of Station Road and Rawson Street, Auburn, about 10.30am Saturday
NSW Police Inspector Mark Wakeham said there was nothing to suggest anything sinister was to do with the 12-year-old’s disappearance.
He put a call out on Sunday for local residents to search their yards for the boy.
‘We are hopeful he is still in that vicinity,’ he told reporters.
‘The family is very distraught.
‘We believe he’s quite scared. He may walk away from members of the community if approached.’
SES members were going door to door on Sunday afternoon in the hopes of locating Hussein.
Member of the public spotted the boy at about 9pm on Saturday night near Norval Street in Auburn
If anyone spots the boy, they are urged to call police.
A helicopter is also being used as part of the search, while there are also concerns about scorching temperatures over the weekend.
Jamie Newman, Unit Commander for Auburn NSW SES said his volunteers were trained in land search techniques.
‘The weather is a concern but we’re hoping he’s gone to ground somewhere and is trying to stay out of the heat. So our volunteers will be searching every nook and cranny that he could get into,’ he said.
Hussein is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, of slim build, about 140cm tall, with short black hair, and last seen wearing a white T-shirt.
Anyone with information in relation to Hussein’s whereabouts is urged to contact Auburn Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
CCTV confirmed Hussein did not board a train at nearby Auburn Station on Saturday night