The disappearance of a nine-year-old has led to a “larger number” of police searching for her in Geelong West.
The child’s “frantic parents” raised the alarm when they discovered she was missing from her bed around 8.15pm last night, police said in a statement today.
“The parents went to check on child at approximately 8.45pm where it was discovered that the child missing from bed and not able to be located in house. However, (a) rear door was unlocked and a curtain opened,” police said.
Police arrived “immediately after the parents contacted them but were unable to find the girl inside or outside at the family’s home.
“A large number of police units flooded the area as well as (the) Air Wing in an attempt to locate the child. A police Command Post was established co-ordinating the search area,” the statement said..
Police immediately began a search of the surrounding area. Soon after the police helicopter (PolAir35) sighted (a) possible child in Sparrow Park and police attended promptly, locating missing child.
Paramedics checked the child before she was returned home after 75 minutes missing, police said.
“Thanks to a well-coordinated and timely search, this child was found healthy and well.
“The immediate and coordinated response by local police with the support of the police air wing was a great response to what was a very distressing situation.
“Well done to all those involved.”