Police are currently searching for missing man Daniel, who disappeared when walking his dog in Warrandyte yesterday evening.
The 35-year-old Warrandyte man was last seen leaving work on Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road about 1pm on Wednesday 18 October.
It is understood he returned to his home on West End Road, before taking his Jack Russell for a walk along the Yarra River.
Daniel’s belongings were located on the riverbank, just off Taroona Reserve, about 6pm.
The dog had already returned home and appeared to be wet.
Warrandyte Police Sergeant Stewart Henderson said Daniel is quite well known within the community and he himself knows the area well.
Police and family have concerns for Daniel’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.
Local police along with Water Police, Air Wing, Search and Rescue and SES searched the river and the surrounding area last night.
The multi-agency search continued this morning.
“We focused our search primarily in the area where his items were found and we focused on the river,” Sgt Henderson said.
“We’ve had SES on the ground searching on foot, we’ve had police in boats on the river and we’ve also had a drone up in the air being flown over. So we’ve pretty much canvassed the river as much and as best as we can.”
Sgt Henderson said locals who are familiar with the river have also offered support in the search.
“The river is running very rapidly, so much so, we’re reluctant to put any of our people into the water. It is quite dangerous conditions and that is a concern,” he said.
“At this stage we’re not planning on packing up any time soon, we’re going to continue our search as long as we can.”
Daniel is described as Caucasian, of thin build with brown eyes and short brown hair.
Investigators have released an image of Daniel in the hope that someone can provide information on his current whereabouts.
“If people have anything they might know or think might be useful to us, call Crime Stoppers or Triple Zero,” Sgt Henderson said.
Anyone who sights Daniel or has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Doncaster Police Station on (03) 8841 3999.
