A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after human remains, believed to be missing 13-year-old Layla Jeffery, were discovered in bushland in western Victoria.
Layla was reported missing on Sunday after she was last seen on McCracken Street in Donald on Saturday.
A large-scale search operation was launched in bushland west of Byrne Street, involving local police, the Dog Squad, Air Wing and Search and Rescue Squads.
Police confirmed remains were located late on Thursday afternoon.
“While the remains are yet to be formally identified, they are believed to be that of the missing girl,” Victoria Police said.
A search warrant was executed at a property in Donald about 11am on Friday as part of the investigation and a 16-year-old from the Swan Hill area was taken into custody.
He is currently being interviewed by detectives.
Two women, a 53-year-old from Donald and 55-year-old from Melbourne, are also assisting police with their enquiries.
“The investigation into the circumstances around the death of the girl remain ongoing, however police are currently treating it as suspicious.”
Police said inquiries remain ongoing and urged anyone with information about Layla’s disappearance or death to contact Crime Stoppers.
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