The extensive collaborative search for a vulnerable young boy has concluded successfully, with the discovery of Hussein Al Mansoory more than 48 hours after he went missing in a bustling area of western Sydney.
After appeals from the police and emergency services seeking public assistance, Hussein, a 12-year-old with Down syndrome and autism who is non-verbal, was located running from Auburn Memorial Park toward the intersection of Station Rd and Rawson St around 10:30 am on Saturday.
Given the serious concerns for Hussein’s well-being, authorities intensified their efforts, employing various strategies, including playing his favorite music, in hopes of drawing him out if he was hiding or seeking shelter due to his fear of strangers.
Confirming his safety, the police announced Hussein’s discovery just before 12:40 pm on Monday. The search involved multiple agencies, including State Emergency Service crews, PolAir, and the riot squad, with a focus on construction sites where it was believed Hussein might have sought refuge to escape the weekend’s hot weather in Sydney.
Temperature records indicated that nearby Sydney Olympic Park had reached 28.8°C at midday on Monday. SES Auburn unit commander Jamie Newman mentioned that 70 volunteers conducted searches until midnight on Sunday, with nearly 100 participants joining the effort on Monday. Specialized search and rescue teams were also deployed to assist the police in specific areas.
Superintendent Simon Glasser highlighted the heightened risk due to Hussein’s age, special needs, and the extended duration of his disappearance. Despite his history of shorter episodes of going missing, this instance prompted an exhaustive search effort, involving various teams and resources, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.
