A major search operation is underway in Sydney's inner west after police discovered the body of a man and launched an urgent effort to locate a young girl believed to have been with him on a small boat.
Emergency services were called to Bayview Park on Burwood Road in Concord shortly before 11:45am on Saturday following reports that a man's body had been found in the water. Upon arriving at the scene, officers began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to NSW Police, witnesses informed investigators that the man had been seen earlier in the day aboard a small boat accompanied by a young girl estimated to be between six and seven years old. The vessel was later located adrift on the water, intensifying concerns for the child's welfare.
The man's body has not yet been formally identified, and authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the tragedy. Police have not publicly commented on the relationship between the deceased man and the missing child.
In response to the emergency, NSW Police established a command post at the scene and deployed specialist resources to assist in the search effort. Marine Area Command officers, along with other emergency personnel, have been involved in the operation as crews continue to scour nearby waterways.
Additional support has reportedly been provided through aerial surveillance, with rescue assets redirected to assist in locating the missing child as quickly as possible. The search area includes sections of the Parramatta River and surrounding bays, where authorities are focusing their efforts.
The incident has shocked local residents in the Concord and Abbotsford communities, where Bayview Park is a well-known recreational area frequented by families, walkers and boating enthusiasts.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the pair on the water earlier in the day, or who may possess relevant information or footage, to come forward immediately. Investigators hope that public assistance could prove crucial in determining what occurred and in helping locate the missing child.
As the operation continues, authorities have reminded the community to avoid the active search area to allow emergency services to conduct their work safely and efficiently.
The tragic event unfolded on a day already marked by several major emergencies across Sydney, placing significant demands on rescue agencies and first responders.
At this stage, the search for the young girl remains ongoing, with specialist teams committed to locating her as quickly as possible.
Further updates are expected as police continue their investigation and as additional information becomes available.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The thoughts of the broader community remain with the families affected as emergency crews continue their urgent search efforts.
