A body has been found during an extensive search for a missing father after his dog and car were discovered six days after he went missing.
John ‘Tony’ Locker, 77, was last seen on Culey Ave in Cooma, southern New South Wales, on Monday afternoon.
NSW Police confirmed a body was found on farmland south of Cooma about 6pm on Saturday.
While the body has not yet been formally identified, it is believed to be that of Mr Locker.
Initial investigations confirmed by police indicate there are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Concerned family members reported Mr Locker missing on Monday and expressed concern for his health given his dependence on medication.
During the widespread search, residents of Kiah Ave, Cooma, at around 10.30pm on Friday, found Mr Locker’s black and white Border Collie dog, Sophie.
John ‘Tony’ Locker, 77, has been missing from the Cooma region since Monday and his border collie Sophie, who was with him, was found alone on Friday.
Locker’s Hilux was found abandoned on Saturday near some farmland in the Cooma region.
Mr Locker’s Toyota vehicle was also found during the search near some farmland, 10 kilometers south of Cooma, at around 3pm on Saturday.
The discovery sparked a coordinated search by police, volunteers, SES and RFS which is now focusing on this area and neighboring properties.
Acting Inspector Tyrone Stacey, Monaro Police District duty officer, thanked the local community for their continued help and support during the search.
On Friday, Mr Locker’s family had made a heartfelt plea for help to find him, saying “each passing day our concern increases”.
“It is with deep concern that we reach out to you for help in locating a beloved member of our family who has gone missing,” they wrote.
“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward and help us bring Tony home safely.
‘We thank all the homeowners who have taken the time to search for their properties over the last week.
“Please help us bring dad home, as we are afraid we are running out of time.”
On Thursday, NSW Police had asked residents in the Cooma area to check outbuildings, including garages, sheds and other structures, for Locker.
A New South Wales Police spokesman said they had explored “numerous lines of inquiry”, including the possibility he had traveled to Victoria.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
