Hunt for missing man
THE search for a Mount Duneed man who has been missing for a week has intensified, with SES crews now helping police. Michael Browne, 54, disappeared from his home on June 8, leaving behind his personal belongings including his car, keys and mobile phone.
SES crews yesterday began searching nearby scrub, parkland and a creek area south of Armstrong Blvd — 50m from Mr Browne’s house.
“We’ve had local police units search his home and surrounding area, but this is the first time we’ve escalated to the SES,” Sergeant Tony French said.
THE search for a Mount Duneed man who has been missing for a week has intensified, with SES crews now assisting police.
Michael Browne disappeared from his home on June 8, leaving behind his personal belongings including his car, keys and mobile phone.
SES crews began searching nearby scrub, parkland and a creek area south of Armstrong Blvd yesterday — 50m from Mr Browne’s house.
The 54-year-old lives alone, and has not been seen or heard from for a week, according to police.
Waurn Ponds police Sergeant Tony French said that Mr Browne spent the weekend with his brother in Warragul, before returning to his Mount Duneed home on the Sunday afternoon.
“His brother spoke to him on the morning of the 8th (over the phone), concerned about his mental health, and that’s the last anyone’s heard from him,” Sgt French said.
“He said he was home, and his car is at home, so we’ve confirmed that he’s been back home.”
Sgt French said SES crews became involved with the search after police exhausted all other avenues of the investigation.
“We’ve had local police units search his home and surrounding area, but this is the first time we’ve escalated to the SES,” he said.
“He may have come down here for whatever reason, whether something’s happened to him by his own account, or accident, or health issue, we’re not sure.”
Sgt French said Mr Browne’s disappearance was not suspicious, and that police and family were concerned for his welfare.
“It’s been a week now and it’s unusual, particularly because of the personal items left,” Sgt French said.
“He has no involvement with the police, and as far as we know he keeps fairly much to himself.”
Sgt French said Mr Browne was last seen wearing boots, a khaki jacket and blue jeans.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Waurn Ponds police on 5247 3500.