Third day in desperate search for missing boy Hussein, 12, last seen in Auburn

The desperate search for a non-verbal boy missing in Western Sydney has entered its third day, with local residents in the area urged to check their backyards, sheds and garages in case the 12-year-old is hiding there.

Police, State Emergency Service officers and loved ones have been searching for Hussein Al Mansoory since he was last seen running from Auburn Memorial Park towards the intersection of Station Rd and Rawson St about 10.30am Saturday.

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Family hold serious concerns for his welfare, as Hussein lives with down syndrome and autism and is non-verbal.

Police said a community member spotted Hussein near Norval St, Auburn about 9pm Saturday.

Superintendent Simon Glasser, Commander Auburn Police Area Command told reporters on Monday, “not too much has changed” in the search, other than it now being a Monday and another day later in the search.

“A lot of our businesses, building sites, are now open,” he said.

“So we’re just asking anyone that has common areas … emergency exits, and areas that could hide a young child that they get those areas checked.”

Searchers have also been experimenting with playing music liked by the 12-year-old in the hope of drawing him out if he was hiding or sheltering.

“I do know he is fond of particular music, so it is a method to try and draw him out if he is hiding or taking shelter somewhere,” Glasser said.

Police were “highly concerned” and the family were “very distraught”, Glasser added.

“This is as high-risk as it gets for us with a missing person,” he said.

“He’s 12 years old, he’s got special needs, and he’s been out and about by himself for 48 hours now.

“So it’s as high-risk as it gets.”

Glasser confirmed police do not believe at this stage there is “anything sinister at play”.

“At this point, we’re dealing with it as a boy who’s wandered off,” he said.

“However, from the get-go, our detectives have been involved, we’re reviewing CCTV — we’re doing canvassing of CCTV … so we have always got that in the back of our mind.”

Hundreds of police and SES volunteers continued their search on Monday morning in the area.

Local residents are being urged to be cautious if they spot him, as he’s known to frighten easily.

Police are asking residents to search their backyards, sheds and garages in case Hussein is hiding there.

Hussein is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, of slim build, about 140cm tall, with short black hair, and last seen wearing a white T-shirt, a nappy and no shoes.

Anyone with information or who sights Hussein is asked to contact Auburn Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.