The father of missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez has flown back to Byron Bay to meet with local police and continue the search for his son.
The 18-year-old was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkey’s bar on the popular coastal town about 11pm on May 31.
Extensive land, air and sea searches failed to find any leads and police were forced to call off the operation in July.
However, Theo’s desperate family have refused to give up hope of finding their son.
His father Laurent Hayez arrived back in Australia on Sunday – three months on – hoping for a breakthrough.
Theo Hayez, 18, was last seen leaving Cheeky Monkey’s bar at 11pm on May 31. If you have information, call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or Byron Bay police on +61 2 6685 9499
A family friend told The Australian Mr Hayez would be meeting with local police in the hopes of figuring out what happened to his son.
‘With very few clues as to what has happened to his son, Laurent returned to Australia yesterday in the hope to find answers,’ the friend said.
‘This week he will talk with Byron Bay police and appeal to the public for information.’
Mr Hayez vowed to never give up on Theo, telling reporters he had promised his youngest son he would bring his brother home.
The family had travelled from Belgium to Byron Bay when he first disappeared.
However, after six weeks of fruitless searching, they were forced to return home without any closure.
When the family first left Australia, Mr Hayez issued an emotional statement sharing how they were dedicating their time to their youngest son who ‘needs us as much as we need him.’
‘After a long flight of 26 hours, we are now reunited with our country, our friends and our family,’ he said in a statement to Echo Net Daily.
Mr Hayez (pictured with his friend and Theo’s female cousin) had tearfully fronted cameras saying he promised Lucas he would bring his brother home
‘This afternoon, we especially had the great happiness of being reunited with Lucas, Theo’s little brother.
‘Through this message, Theo’s Mummy and I would like to once again (and TOO MUCH WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH!), thank you for the warm welcome, love and attention you have been giving us since the 6th of June 2019.
‘We are now going to spend a lot of time with Lucas because he needs us as much as we need him.’
Many residents in the seaside town have refused to give up on the search.
With the help of police, cadaver dogs were brought in this week to search the area around Cape Byron Lighthouse where Theo’s phone emitted its final signal on the night he vanished.
Three officers from the Belgian Federal Police had also flown in to support the ongoing investigation.
Theo was staying at WakeUp! Hostel on the night he vanished.
The teen was supposed to check out of his room on June 3 but he never returned.
Staff at the hostel raised the alarm six days after Theo failed to return. His belongings – including his passport – were left there untouched.
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New Theo Hayez twist as Belgian backpacker’s father RETURNS to Australia to continue the search for his missing son - three months after he vanished in Byron Bay have 1114 words, post on www.dailymail.co.uk at September 2, 2019. This is cached page on Asia News. If you want remove this page, please contact us.