Back to basics policing was the key to finding missing two year-old Gabriel Witehira-Donnelly in a shed in Panmure at about 7.15pm last evening.
Gabriel had been taken from his mother's property in Coates Cres at about 12.15pm by an associate of hers, convicted killer 33 year-old Phillip Layton Edwards.
Police saturated the area and mobilised several search phases over the following six hours, but the back to basics door knocking carried out by the Field Training Unit staff hit gold when Gabriel was found shivering and frightened in a shed in Oran Rd, Panmure.
Police Field Training Units comprise recent Police College Graduates who, before they are fully deployed to their district, undergo a further 10 weeks in-the-field training so as to transition them from college to operational policing.
While at the back of the Oran Rd property, two officers heard - over the noise of a downpour - faint cries from a child. Thinking the child might still be in the company of the man who had taken him, they called for backup then retrieved the little boy from an open box he was crouching in.
Access to the shed was not straight forward as the shed door was damaged and locked, although there was a gap between it and the frame.
Police today are urging members of the public to contact them if they see Phillip Edwards or suspect he may have been hiding out near their property.
The investigation team has set up an 0800 number - 0800 332 334 - and anyone who has information about Philip Edwards is urged to call either that or 111 immediately. The most recent photo of him is available on the Police website and the Auckland City Facebook page - www.facebook.com/AucklandPolice
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz
