A $1 million reward, the largest in New South Wales history, has been announced for information that leads to the recovery of missing toddler William Tyrrell.
William, aged three, went missing from the backyard of his grandmother’s home in Kendall, on the state’s mid-north coast, on September 12, 2014.
Today is the second anniversary of his disappearance.
Investigators believe he was abducted.
Addressing the media this morning, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin said it was “unacceptable” it was still unknown what happened to William.
“It’s very important that I dispel the perception that the announcement of the reward means we’ve run out of lines of inquiry.
“If he’s alive, or if we find William’s remains, we’ve said to the family, we’re going to do everything possible to find out what happened to William.”
Mr Jubelin said he is certain there are people out there with relevant information.
“I am sure people know where he is. We potentially have a victim who could still be alive. Concealing a serious offence, is a criminal offence – but that is negated if you provide the information to police.
“You’re in a much better position if you come to us than if we come to you.”
Mr Jubelin also said the investigation was “a long way” from going to a coronial inquest, and that police did not believe William’s family were involved.
“We have ruled family out. I have interviewed them personally myself, and they had nothing to do with it.”
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the investigation was not slowing down.
“The investigation is not winding down – if anything, it’s ramping up. With a $1m reward, there’s a million good reasons to come forward.”
William was last seen wearing a Spiderman costume.
Despite ongoing efforts by police, no trace of the little boy has been found, but officers have said they are investigating 690 persons of interest in the case.
Officers at local area commands have been given information about each of the persons of interest, and will report their findings to the homicide squad.
