NSW: Van found but no sign of missing man

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-1999
NSW: Van found but no sign of missing man

SYDNEY, April 8 AAP - Blood splatters had been discovered in the van of a missing
49-year-old man whose vehicle was found in southern New South Wales, police said today.

NSW and Victorian police have launched a joint appeal to locate Elijah Ross, who was last
seen almost two weeks ago.

He had been due to return to the northern NSW beach town of Byron Bay on March 31.

Goulburn Local Area Command crime manager Bill Hughes said Mr Ross had been travelling
within Victoria in search of fruit-picking work.

He was last seen in Bendigo, Victoria, on Friday, March 26, driving his white Mitsubishi
panel van, Acting Inspector Hughes said.

A female friend alerted police when Mr Ross failed to return to Byron Bay on March 31.

His abandonded 1981 white Mitsubishi panel van with Victorian registration FRJ-948 was
found on the side of a road on the northern outskirts of Gunning on Monday.

Insp Hughes said police enquiries had revealed the van was in the region since Wednesday,
March 31.

"There was no sign of Mr Ross and there were indications in the van he may have been
injured," he said.

He said there were blood splatters in the vehicle.

A search of the area surrounding the abandoned vehicle by police and State Emergency
Service personnel proved fruitless, he said.

"We are extremely anxious to speak with anyone who may have seen Mr Ross or his van since
March 26 or may know of his whereabouts now," he said.

"At this stage police have grave concerns for his wellbeing."

Anyone with information should contact Goulburn police or Crime Stoppers.

AAP jo/tsm

KEYWORD: VAN

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.