Missing 6-year-old boy, Parfa, who went missing from an Olinda play space, has been reunited with his family after spending the night lost in the Dandenong Ranges.
The Forest Hill boy, who has autism and is non-verbal, was at a family gathering celebrating Easter at the Olinda-Monbulk Road when he wandered off about 4pm on Good Friday.
After a frantic search by friends and relatives, he was unable to be located. The family then reported him missing.
Police immediately launched a large-scale search, including members from the Search and Rescue Squad, Mounted Branch, Dog Squad, PORT, SES, CFA and assistance from the Air Wing helicopter.
As the search continued into the second day, a local 18-year-old on his mountain bike heard about the search and decided to ride to the area and assist in trying to locate Parsa.
The Kalorama man was riding along a trail when he came across the young boy at about 8.15pm.
Despite looking sleep-deprived, a check over by paramedics declared him in good health and he was returned to the care of his family.
Knox Acting Senior Sergeant Mel Gostimir said police were ecstatic that Parsa was located safe and well.
“Searches for lost children with autism can be particularly challenging as often they are unable to communicate with searchers,” Sen. SGT Mel Gostimir said.
“After speaking with Parsa’s family, our members found out that his favourite song was Hickory Dickory Dock and a song about learning the alphabet so they began playing that on their phones and through the PA systems on their police cars.
“We are so grateful for the support from the local volunteer services and community members who attended to assist in the search.
“To return Parsa safely to his family for Easter is a wonderful result,” Sen. Sgt Mel Gostimir said.
