NSW police have suspended the search for the teenager, who was last seen on 31 May

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

NSW police have suspended the search for Belgian man Theo Hayez, who went missing in Byron Bay a month ago.

Hayez, 18, was last seen leaving the holiday town’s Cheeky Monkey’s bar about 11pm on 31 May.

Since police were alerted to his disappearance on 6 June, dozens of officers, emergency service and surf life saving volunteers have conducted an extensive land and sea search, including in the area around Cape Byron Lighthouse where the last “ping” from Theo’s phone was recorded on 1 June.

Byron police commander Superintendent Dave Roptell said police had met with the teenager’s parents on Thursday to inform them of the suspension of the search.

“It’s times like this which shows the strength of our community,” he said. “We want to thank each and every person who assisted and who provided support.

“Throughout the entire investigation we have been liaising with the Belgian federal police, keeping them informed of our progress and work collaboratively with them. Belgian authorities have been appreciative of the work being undertaken.

“We met with Theo’s family today and we send our thoughts to them all, both here in Australia and abroad.”

The end of the physical search for Hayez comes after the arrival of Belgian federal police on the weekend to support the ongoing investigation in an observer capacity.

In a statement the NSW police said that while the full-scale physical search for Hayez had ended, its investigation into his disappearance would continue.

Theo’s father, Laurent Hayez, arrived in the country earlier on June and made an emotional plea for help finding his son.

“I promised Theo’s little brother that I would bring his brother home. Please, help me keep my promise to him,” Hayez asked through his tears. “If you have any information, and if you do not want to deal with the cops, or if you are afraid to come forward, please make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers.”

The teenager had used the encrypted messaging service WhatsApp on the night he disappeared and his father had asked for help in obtaining access to the messages.

The company said it had provided what information it could but were unable to access the content of the messages.

On Thursday the commander of the northern region police, assistant commissioner Max Mitchell, also thanked the Byron Bay community for its assistance during the search.

“This search has brought the Byron Bay community together in more ways than one, and they have supported not only our officers but Theo’s family during this difficult time,” he said. “I would like to personally acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Tweed/Byron Police district officers and the Belgian authorities; their collaboration and support has been second to none.”

The search was previously briefly suspended in June due to poor weather.