Two girls, reported missing near Orange, found safe and well
Police said the two girls had some scratches and were "a bit hungry", but otherwise fine. Photo: NSW Police
Two young girls who sparked a widescale search after disappearing from a campsite in the NSW central west have been found safe and well.
The two seven-year-olds had last been seen climbing hills at Ophir, north of Orange, late on Saturday afternoon after spending the day exploring bush tracks with their family.
Rescue crews hadn’t been able to find the girls overnight, with a land, water and air search resuming on Sunday morning.
The pair was reportedly found just before midday.
NSW Police Acting Superintendent Peter Atkins said they were winched to safety by a police helicopter.
“Police, SES, RFS, local community searched since about 6:00pm last night,” he said.
“Fortunately about 11:15 this morning the girls were found safe and well about 2 kilometres up the river embankment, they were airlifted by POLAIR to this location, this local farm.”
Meanwhile, the family of a missing Adelaide man who’s thought to have been murdered, say not knowing what happened to him “is like living in the darkest of shadows”.
Michael Modesti was last seen on Mother’s Day. Photo: AAP
Michael Modesti, 33, was last seen on Mother’s Day on May 8, and police have declared his disappearance a major crime and believe his death may be drug-related.
“It’s been three months since Michael disappeared without a trace.
“Words cannot describe the brokenness our family now lives with each day,” his family said in a statement on Sunday.
“The heartache of ‘not knowing’ is like living in the darkest of shadows.”
Mr Modesti’s car was found dumped in Adelaide on May 11.
Police said he was known to police, having been in trouble some time between 2002 and 2006.
Cannabis seedlings were also found at Mr Modesti’s home in 2014.
Two weeks before he went missing, he travelled to Bangkok for a building expo, returning to Adelaide on May 6.
Mr Modesti was last heard from when he spoke to his partner over the phone.
“We strongly believe that there must be someone, or an isolated group of people, that must know something,” his family said.
“No matter how insignificant you may think your information seems, it may be that something we need that will help bring Michael home.
“And to our Michael, if by chance you are out there somewhere watching or reading this, know that we think about you every minute of every day. We continually hope and pray for your safe return.”
With AAP/ABC
