Police search underway as autistic British tourist goes missing in Australia

Benjamin Wyatt, 34, vanishes after visiting beach in Melbourne 

Ryan Wilkinson
Wednesday 05 July 2017 11:25 BST
Comments
Benjamin Wyatt
Benjamin Wyatt

The parents of a British man with autism missing in Australia have made an emotional appeal for help tracking him down.

Benjamin Wyatt, 34, from Bath, vanished after visiting a beach in the Melbourne area with his family on Tuesday.

Police carried out an “extensive” search of the area by air, land and sea, although no trace of Mr Wyatt was found.

On Wednesday his mother, Diana Wyatt, was visibly distraught at a press conference as she urged her son to return, saying her life was “empty” without him.

She told reporters: “Ben has never had a night out on his own before.

“He knows I worry like anything. I'm the world's worst worrier and Ben if you're listening, if you're watching come back.

“He's just a really nice guy to have around and I miss him. My life is empty.”

His father, Phil Wyatt, fought back tears as he said: “Keep an eye out for him please, just let the police know if you find him, thank you.”

The family had recently arrived in Melbourne, their last stop as they travelled around Australia, and had been due to leave the country on Thursday, according to reports.

Victoria Police released an image of Mr Wyatt and appealed for the public's help finding him.

The force said in a statement: “Benjamin, who has autism, was visiting the beach with his family at Half Moon Bay, Black Rock about 2.15pm (Tuesday).

“His family left him in the car park for a short time while they went to collect their car but when they turned to pick him up he had disappeared.

“Benjamin is visiting Australia with his family from the United Kingdom and does not know his way around Melbourne.

“The Victoria Police helicopter, water police, local police, state emergency service and lifesavers conducted an extensive search of the area but were unable to locate him.”

A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who was reported missing in Melbourne on 4 July. We are in contact with the local authorities.”

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in