A CHILLING cryptic message painted on a tree trunk on the state’s mid north coast led police to lockdown an area near Kendall as they investigated possible links to the abduction of William Tyrrell.

The message, painted in bright magenta letters read: “Jesus saves William Tyrell”.

Accompanying the strange text was a jar containing a number of small items placed next to the tree.

The discovery was made by a member of the public driving through bush just 10km from where Spiderman-loving William vanished from his grandmother’s home in September 2014.

Investigators from The Tyrrell strike force Rosann, headed up crack detective inspector Gary Jubelin, were informed of the find last night.

Police at this stage believe the message and jar is part of a “geocaching” game - a global scavenger hunt using GPS technology.

“About 6.30pm yesterday (Sunday 7 February 2016), a member of the public contacted police after a reference to William Tyrrell was found painted on a tree in a state forest near Stewart’s River, about 10km south of Kendall,” NSW Police said via a statement.

media_camera William Tyrell who is feared to have been abducted.

media_camera A jar containing strange items. media_camera Bob Carne discovered the strange sight.

“A glass jar with a number of items was located beneath the tree.

“Local police attended and informed detectives attached to Strike Force Rosann. Police secured the area and seized the items.”

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Locals in the area told The Daily Telegraph they saw heavily armed officers and PolAir helicopters hovering above the area.

Police said the aircraft was in the region coincidentally and was en route to Sydney.

“Following inquiries, police have determined the items and painting were a result of ‘geocaching’, an outdoor activity in which participants use GPS coordinates to hide and seek items,” the statement reads.

type_quote_start “Driving through Middle Brother state forest and we came across this stump” type_quote_end

“Given the circumstances of William’s disappearance, police are disappointed that it has been included in a recreational game.

“Police maintain their appeal for anyone with information concerning William’s disappearance to contact Crime Stoppers.”

While the discovery may be yet another red herring in the heartbreaking case, the mention of William by name and the location’s proximity to where he was last seen caused police to treat the clue seriously.

Bob Carnes, who spotted the scrawled message, wrote on Facebook: “How’s this, driving through Middle Brother state forest and we came across this stump. A bit odd don’t you think?”

Police have said previously that William, now 4, may have been snatched by an opportunistic kidnapper or fallen victim to a paedophile ring in the area.

Originally published as Police probe Tyrrell message left on tree