Northern Territory Police are this morning continuing the search for missing prisoner Edward James Horrell, who absconded from the Datjala work camp in Nhulunbuy on Monday evening.
Acting Commander of the Northern Command, Michael Hebb said the search – now known as Operation Fendi – continued in and around Nhulunbuy overnight, and the area around Ski and Wallaby Beaches and Yirrkala.
“Whilst it cannot be totally ruled out, Police do not currently have information to suggest that Horrell has left the Nhulunbuy area, and as such the search efforts are being concentrated in that region,” A/Commander Hebb said. “However, any sightings of anyone fitting the description anywhere in the Northern Territory will be investigated.”
Overnight, six TRG and MPG members conducted quadbike searches of bushland behind the Nhulunbuy town dump, as well as in the area between Crocodile Creek and Wallaby Beach.
“To date, there have been two possible sightings of Horrell – one near bushland to the west of the township in the morning and another in the afternoon in bushland to the south,” A/Commander Hebb said.
“Searches in both areas have revealed no sign of him to date, nor is there any information to indicate where he currently is or what his plans are.
“Police have been conducting extensive enquiries with associates of Horrell and have searched a number of locations and residences to date, with our focus being to safely and quickly take Horrell back into custody.”
A/Commander Hebb urged members of the public to ensure their homes and cars are secured, as Horrell is known to have been trying to source a vehicle.
“He will also need food and water, so people are encouraged to report any thefts or suspicious activity as soon as possible.”
Nhulunbuy Police with the assistance of additional staff from Darwin will be maintaining a 24-hour capability to continue investigations and respond to reports in the hunt for Horrell.
Police have also been in contact with the family of Horrell’s victims, and will continue to maintain this contact until his recapture.
Horrell, 62, is described as being 170cm tall, medium build and was wearing a blue and yellow hi-vis button up shirt and dark blue shorts when he absconded.
Members of the public are reminded Horrell is considered dangerous, and if sighted should not be approached. They should then call Police on 131 444 immediately.
