³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

The search and rescue operation for 79-year-old Sidney Clark, missing from Chinchilla a week ago, has today been scaled back.

Sidney was last seen driving a silver Jeep Cherokee with Victorian Registration NRM093 and an attached trailer in the vicinity of the Chinchilla CBD last Monday afternoon, May 29.

The trailer was found abandoned on Tuesday May 30 on Chinchilla Wondai Road, near Durong, with a shredded tyre.

The Jeep was found on the side of Stockyard Road, Barakula on Wednesday May 31.

Police initiated an extensive and wide-ranging surface based search procedures involving police, ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks & Wildlife employees, local landholders, Rural Fire Services and large numbers of SES volunteers.

Land based searches were complimented by extensive aerial searches using advanced technology and multiple aircraft.

All search efforts undertaken to date have unfortunately failed to locate Sidney.

Acting Inspector Gregory Wheeler said that whilst physical search efforts have been suspended within the area, police continue to appeal for information and are continuing to undertake further investigations locally and interstate using other methods of inquiry.

“Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to locate Sidney,” Inspector Wheeler said.

“We have utilised all resources available to us in this area and thank each and every person who assisted and provided support during this search.

“We have liaised closely with Sidney’s loved ones and discussed the sad news regarding the likelihood of his survival and the progress of the search undertaken to date.

“Some local strategies to locate Sidney will remain in place and be ongoing.”

“Whilst the local physical search has been suspended, we continue to appeal to the Chinchilla and Barakula communities to come forward if they have any information that could assist in locating Sidney,” Inspector Wheeler said.

Earlier release: