First day of 'painstaking' search for missing Victorian campers Carol Clay and Russell Hill
Police are confident they will be able to find the remains of Victorian campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay but say the "painstaking search" could take "considerable time".
A large number of police officers and forensic experts this afternoon scoured land about 15km north of the town in Dargo in Victoria's east in search of the bodies.
Mr Hill, 74, and Ms Clay, 73, have been missing since they vanished while camping in the Wonnangatta Valley on March 20 last year.
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Police have continued their search for the bodies of Russell Hill and Carol Clay. Nine
Police are honing in on a particular bushland area of interest. Nine
East Gippsland and Wellington police Inspector Matt Gleeson told the ABC that "a considerable number of police specialist resources" were involved in the search.
"It is going to be a painstaking search that could take come considerable time," he said.
It is understood that police did not find anything of note today, with the search set to resume in the morning.
Missing Persons Squad detectives are being assisted by specialist resources including search and rescue teams and the major crime scene unit.
The new search comes after a man charged with their murders faced court for the first time last week.
Pilot Greg Lynn, 55, did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until May 31, 2022.
In a statement, his family said they were "traumatised" by the case.
Greg Lynn has faced court charged with two counts of murder over the case. Nine
"It has been distressing for our family and the families of the deceased and we are completely traumatised as well by these tragic events," they said.
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"We need to deal with the legal proceedings as they arise and try to restore some balance in our lives.
"We also acknowledge the suffering of the Clay and Hill families at this difficult time."
A new search will begin for missing campers Carol Clay and Russell Hill. Supplied
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill said last police were hopeful they would find the remains of the missing pair.
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"Our efforts to locate the remains of Russell and Carol will continue," he said.
"While this arrest is a testament to months of dedication and tireless work from detectives ... it's far from over.
"Police are hopeful we will be able to locate the deceased and provide closure to the families."
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