The parents of missing four-year-old Gus Lamont have said their "lives have been shattered" as they appeal to the public for any information that could help find him.
Gus, also known as Angus, was last seen playing outside at the family's Oak Park sheep station, near Yunta in outback South Australia, at 5pm on 27 September. Thirty minutes later, his grandmother went to call him inside and he was gone. Police initially believed he had wandered off, but after extensive searches, the case was declared a major crime on 5 February, with a suspect identified.
In a statement issued through South Australia police, Gus's parents Josh and Jess released a new photograph and a short video of him on a bike. "We are united in our grief, and we are united in our search for answers about what happened to our little boy, Gus, who means everything to us," they said. "Even the smallest detail could give us the answers we so desperately need."
The investigation has involved drones, divers, dogs and defence force personnel searching the 60,000-hectare property. Hope of finding Gus alive has dwindled, and police say they have identified "inconsistencies and discrepancies" in information provided. A vehicle, motorbike and electronic devices have been seized. A 75-year-old was arrested on 16 February on unrelated firearm offences, but no charges relating to Gus have been brought.
Det Supt Darren Fielke, in charge of major crime, said the investigation would continue "until we get an outcome". Police have stressed the suspect is not one of Gus's parents, and the family has cooperated fully. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
