Police, emergency services and volunteers have not given up hope of finding Anthony 'AJ' Elfalak alive after an all night search on Saturday failed to locate the three-year-old.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
In addition to the massive search operation, forensics detectives spent the night collecting evidence from around the property.
AJ, who has non-verbal autism, was playing with his brother at the family's 650 acre property off Yengo Drive in Putty when he disappeared just before midday on Friday.
Police are continuing to investigate the possibility that AJ may have been kidnapped.
A suspicious older model Toyota Hilux was seen on the private road surrounding the property about the same time AJ went missing.
More than 130 emergency service resources spent Saturday searching for the boy.
An emergency text message was also circulated across the region appealing for information.
Hunter Valley Police District commander Superintendent Tracy Chapman said the terrain was "difficult" with various levels of elevation.
"We have been searching the dams and waterways," she said. "Every minute is important."
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
