Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
THE manhunt for Ararat escapee Andrew Darling was brought closer to Ballarat on Tuesday night after police were called to a Trawalla address with concerns he may be located there.
The sex offender fled Corella Place correctional facility and was last seen at the Warrak Road complex soon after 2.30am on Sunday.
Ararat Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Steve Oliver was first on scene at the Tansey Court home near Trawalla at 8.30pm.
Police units from Learmonth, Beaufort and Ballarat were called for backup after the Ararat police unit found a light in the home with indications someone may have been inside.
"The fact the escapee was still not accounted for, the daughter of the owners of the property raised the alarm," Detective Senior Constable Oliver said.
However, a thorough search of the property found no traces of the escapee
Despite a nationwide manhunt for Darling, he is yet to be located.
Detective Sergeant Mick Gunn from the fugitive taskforce told radio station 3AW on Wednesday morning that investigators are still searching the area around the correctional facility in Ararat.
Detective Sergeant Gunn said Darling stopped taking his medication four days prior to walking out on Sunday, but didn't reveal what medication he was on.
He said there have been numerous reports of sightings of Darling.
The 42-year-old has bush survival skills and is known to frequent licensed venues.
Darling is described as Caucasian, about 176 centimetres tall, of medium build, with blue eyes, fair-coloured cropped hair and a fair complexion.
He has both ears pierced and tattoos on his right lower leg, back and arms.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
-with Tammy Mills
david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au