Searchers to scour backyards in hunt for missing Ben

POLICE and State Emergency Service volunteers aim to search every backyard in the township of Perth, south of Launceston, to try to locate Ben Plowright, who has been missing for two weeks.

Volunteers will also search along the railway line between Perth and Longford, as well as parks and open ground.

Inspector Darren Hopkins said there was a strong possibility Mr Plowright could have ended up in a backyard.

“We want to check the areas that maybe some residents haven’t checked, so we will be looking under sheds, under wood piles, those sort of areas — anywhere that Ben might have tried to seek shelter and may have died,’’ Insp Hopkins said.

“We believe he was intoxicated on the night and his behaviour wasn’t going to be that of a sober person. We have consider that he may have got into some position or some building or under something that a normal person wouldn’t do.

“We are asking for the assistance and co-operation of the Perth community in allowing police and SES to conduct searches of their yards and properties.”

Insp Hopkins said the search would involve between 50 and 100 police, SES and fire service volunteers.

Anyone with information on Ben’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Tasmania Police on 131 444.