Vehicle seized for forensic analysis in William Tyrrell investigation

As part of ongoing investigations into the 2014 disappearance of three-year-old William Tyrrell, Strike Force detectives seized a Mazda from a home at Gymea in southern Sydney under a Coronial Order on November 9.

The vehicle was taken to a secure facility, where it is undergoing extensive forensic examinations and analysis, which is expected to take several weeks.

This activity relates to inquiries and search operations currently being conducted in the Kendall area on NSW's Mid North Coast, particularly focusing on the former home of William's foster grandmother who has since died.

It has been widely reported this morning the car allegedly belonged to William's foster grandmother.

The current owner of the car, it has been reported, has no links to the case.

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Hundreds of police descended on the small village on the NSW Mid North Coast this week in a "high intensity" renewed search to bring a seven year investigation into the missing child to an end.

William Tyrrell disappeared from his foster grandmother's front yard on Benaroon Drive in Kendall on September 12, 2014.

He has not been seen since.

Wearing a Spiderman suit, there have been thousands of lines of inquiry and interviews with persons of interest since the launch of Strike Force Rosann.

The investigation is now being headed by Chief Inspector David Laidlaw who has commandeered a team of highly specialised forensic experts to three key sites not far from wear William went missing.

One of those sites brings the team back to the front garden of the Benaroon Drive home.

On Tuesday (November 16) gardens underneath the balcony of the home wear William was last seen playing were excavated with soil from the area sifted for evidence.

There are unsubstantiated theories part of the investigation is looking at whether William may have fallen from the balcony.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said all possible scenarios are being considered in the renewed search which he believes will solve the case.

Specialist forensics teams have been brought into the mix along with cadaver dogs.

The searches will last two to three weeks and some would be "subterranean"

Commissioner Fuller said there is one 'particular person of interest' and three search locations in Kendall they are focusing on.

Police have also been assisted by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) in cutting down trees and removing foliage in bushland at the corner of Cobb and Co Road, just off Batar Creek Road.

Chainsaws and earth moving equipment are also being used to clear the search area, including large trees.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Bennett said in a media conference on November 15 that Strike Force Rosann are "looking for the remains of William Tyrrell".

It has been the first time it has been assumed by police investigators that the child is dead.

"It's highly likely that if we found something it would be a body," Det Ch Supt Bennett said. "We are looking for the remains of William Tyrrell, there's no doubt about that."

Commissioner Fuller also confirmed that NSW Police have sought an apprehended violence order (AVO) against William Tyrrell's foster parents, in relation to a child linked to William.

Commissioner Fuller would not comment any further on that aspect of the investigation. That matter is due to go before the court next week.

A coronial inquest commenced into William's disappearance in March 2019 and remains ongoing. It is being overseen by Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame.

The inquest has considered thousands of pieces of evidence collected by Strike Force Rosann, statements by persons of interest and recollections by family and neighbours of the morning William vanished.

The inquest concluded in Lidcombe Coroner's Court in Sydney on October 8, 2020. with an emotional plea by his 10-year-old sister - "I will find my brother and not give up until he is found".

The coronial inquest findings were to be handed down by Deputy State Coroner Grahame in June 2021. A new date has not been determined.