The father of a teenage boy who vanished from his home on the NSW Central Coast has issued a heartfelt message to the community, while providing vital clues in the search for his son.
Allen Courtney’s 13-year-old son Leif, who is non-verbal and has autism, left the family home on the Pacific Highway at Mooney Mooney about 7.30pm Wednesday night and hasn’t been seen since.
His concerned parents immediately alerted authorities and have serious concerns for his welfare.
Mr Courtney said while Leif is mostly non-verbal, he often “makes squealing noises or repeats things he’s heard”
“If he’s about, he’s often noisy, so listen out,” he said.
He will respond to his name – which is pronounced “Layfe” or “Layfie” – but also acknowledges “Leaf” of “Leafie”.
“He's not normally worried about a crowd or noise, so don’t let that bother you. Don’t be worried about approaching him. You may need to grab an arm or hand to have him follow (you),” Mr Courtney explained.
“Apples are one of his favourite foods, so that might tempt him. He also loves climbing, so look up high.”
Mr Courtney said Leif is dressed in a grey singlet top and grey joggers. He’s wearing a nappy but may have removed it.
A major search operation has kicked off in the Brisbane Water area, with officials focusing on Mooney Mooney, Kangaroo Point and Brooklyn.
Water police will also search surrounding coast.
Vision from the scene shows dozens of locals turning out to help search for the teen.
Several social media posts are circulating on local community pages with one local named Julie explaining she spent a lot of time with Leif, who enjoyed listening to Fireflies by Owl City on repeat.
“His family are understandably beside themselves,” Acting Superintendent Kylie Phillips told reporters, as crews resumed the search.
“Police have serious concerns for Leif not only because of his age but because he is autistic and non-verbal.
“No one has heard from since he disappeared from home on the Pacific Highway.
“Please keep an eye out.”
Police say he may respond to noises.
He is described as caucasian, about 160cm tall, with a slim build and shaggy blond hair.
Leif was last seen wearing a grey singlet and shorts, and sneakers with green laces.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMioQFodHRwczovL3d3dy5uZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9uYXRpb25hbC9uc3ctYWN0L25ld3MvbGVpZi1jb3VydG5leS1mcmFudGljLXNlYXJjaC1mb3ItbWlzc2luZy1ub252ZXJiYWwtdGVlbmFnZXItd2l0aC1hdXRpc20vbmV3cy1zdG9yeS8xZjgwOTc0MmNhYWUyZTMxMDdmNzY1NTlkZDI5NGYxY9IBoQFodHRwczovL2FtcC5uZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9uYXRpb25hbC9uc3ctYWN0L25ld3MvbGVpZi1jb3VydG5leS1mcmFudGljLXNlYXJjaC1mb3ItbWlzc2luZy1ub252ZXJiYWwtdGVlbmFnZXItd2l0aC1hdXRpc20vbmV3cy1zdG9yeS8xZjgwOTc0MmNhYWUyZTMxMDdmNzY1NTlkZDI5NGYxYw?oc=5
2021-01-28 01:30:00Z
CBMioQFodHRwczovL3d3dy5uZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9uYXRpb25hbC9uc3ctYWN0L25ld3MvbGVpZi1jb3VydG5leS1mcmFudGljLXNlYXJjaC1mb3ItbWlzc2luZy1ub252ZXJiYWwtdGVlbmFnZXItd2l0aC1hdXRpc20vbmV3cy1zdG9yeS8xZjgwOTc0MmNhYWUyZTMxMDdmNzY1NTlkZDI5NGYxY9IBoQFodHRwczovL2FtcC5uZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9uYXRpb25hbC9uc3ctYWN0L25ld3MvbGVpZi1jb3VydG5leS1mcmFudGljLXNlYXJjaC1mb3ItbWlzc2luZy1ub252ZXJiYWwtdGVlbmFnZXItd2l0aC1hdXRpc20vbmV3cy1zdG9yeS8xZjgwOTc0MmNhYWUyZTMxMDdmNzY1NTlkZDI5NGYxYw
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