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Frantic Yallingup search launched for boy, 3, missing in WA’s South West

Jackson Lavell Lee, Jackson Barrett and staff writersThe West Australian
SES volunteers at the scene of the search. Inset: Missing toddler James.
Camera IconSES volunteers at the scene of the search. Inset: Missing toddler James.

A toddler in the South West who sparked a frantic search is understood to have wandered off from a short-term rental property with his two family dogs.

Authorities are searching scrub for the three-year-old in the area south of Karli Rise in the surfing town of Yallingup, with the boy believed to have wandered off from a property with the two pets.

The dogs returned to the property — which The West Australian understands is an Airbnb the family only arrived at last night — without him.

The boy, who searchers have been told is named James, has fair skin, blonde hair, blue eyes and was wearing white Spiderman pyjamas and gum boots.

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He was last seen about 7.30am today.

The boy’s parents were beside themselves with worry as hundreds of Dunsborough and Yallingup locals joined police, the canine unit and mounted section, SES, the local fire brigade and rangers in the search.

A police helicopter has also joined the operation and a full incident command team is in place to coordinate the search.

Spread just metres apart, searchers are moving forward diligently, tagging trees as they go.

Forecasted rain has now arrived in the area.

Neighbour and Wadandi elder Billy Webb said the father was “distraught” when he spoke to him earlier.

“Police told me not to call out (the boy’s) name because he might be scared with the helicopter circling,” Mr Webb said.

A police helicopter has also joined the operation and a full incident command team is in place to coordinate the search.
Camera IconA police helicopter has also joined the operation and a full incident command team is in place to coordinate the search.
Dunsborough and Yallingup locals joined police, SES, the local fire brigade and rangers in the search.Missing toddler ‘wandered off with family dogs’ in SW Authorities are searching for the three-year-old in the area around Karli Rise in Yallingup, with the boy understood to have wandered off from a short-stay rental with his family’s two dogs.
Camera IconDunsborough and Yallingup locals joined police, SES, the local fire brigade and rangers in the search.Missing toddler ‘wandered off with family dogs’ in SW Authorities are searching for the three-year-old in the area around Karli Rise in Yallingup, with the boy understood to have wandered off from a short-stay rental with his family’s two dogs.

Mr Webb said he noticed some tracks near his property.

Police have told searchers the three-year-old was wearing gumboots.

“If he walked through the sand somewhere you’ll see it quite clearly.

“Everybody’s getting a bit worried about him. We need to start grid-working (a search area) really fast. If he’s a mobile little fella, he’ll travel a fair way.”

An alert on the WA Police Facebook page was shared 23,000 times in just two hours as members of the public prayed for James to be found safe and well.

Neighbour and Wadandi elder Billy Webb said the father was “distraught” when he spoke to him earlier.
Camera IconNeighbour and Wadandi elder Billy Webb said the father was “distraught” when he spoke to him earlier. Credit: Jackson Lavell-Lee
SES volunteers have been called in to join police searching local bushland for a toddler missing since 7.30am. Pics taken near Karli Rise Location where the boy went missing from.
Camera IconSES volunteers have been called in to join police searching local bushland for a toddler missing since 7.30am. Pics taken near Karli Rise Location where the boy went missing from. Credit: Jackson Lavell-Lee

Police said the response from the public had been significant however it was important the search wasn’t compromised.

“Thank you to everyone who has attended the search area. The response has been significant,” a police spokesman said.

“It is important members of the public do not venture into the bushland areas as they may inadvertently compromise evidence of where James has walked, and that could impact on the ability of trained searchers to track his movements.”

VideoA toddler in the South West who sparked a frantic search is understood to have wandered off from a short-term rental property with his two family dogs.
Authorities are searching for the three-year-old in the area around Karli Rise in the surfing town of Yallingup.Pics taken near Karli Rise Location where the boy went missing from.Missing toddler ‘wandered off with family dogs’ in SW Authorities are searching for the three-year-old in the area around Karli Rise in Yallingup, with the boy understood to have wandered off from a short-stay rental with his family’s two dogs.
Camera IconAuthorities are searching for the three-year-old in the area around Karli Rise in the surfing town of Yallingup.Pics taken near Karli Rise Location where the boy went missing from.Missing toddler ‘wandered off with family dogs’ in SW Authorities are searching for the three-year-old in the area around Karli Rise in Yallingup, with the boy understood to have wandered off from a short-stay rental with his family’s two dogs.

Police said anyone in the area already should stick to the main tracks and roads.

“At this time there is no need for further members of the public to attend the location,” the spokesman said.

“For those people who are already on site it is important they register their attendance at the Incident Command Post which is located at the DFES SES building on Caves Road.”

Anyone who sees the boy has been asked to remain with him and contact police on 000 immediately.

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