Desperate search for missing 4 year-old girl in “isolated” rural Tasmania

Grave concerns are held for a four-year-old girl who went missing in a rural area of the Tasman Peninsula near Port Arthur yesterday afternoon, March 23.

Shayla Philips was reportedly last seen at 2.30pm on Wednesday afternoon, with authorities revealing she was last seen wearing pink leggings, a cream top and gumboots. She has been described as having long, brown curly hair.

According to a media release issued by the Tasmanian Police on March 23, “A search is currently underway in the Stormlea area” for the toddler.

“Personnel from Tasmania Police, Tasmania SES, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, are searching the Stormlea Road area for the girl who was last seen playing in the backyard with two dogs, one of which is missing,” the statement said.

Authorities have described the area as “isolated”, deeming search efforts from the public unnecessary and likely unsafe at this time.

Tasmanian Police inspector, Gavin Hallett, revealed Police were taking advantage of all necessary resources to assist in the extensive search for young Shayla.

“We have been utilising all resources and personnel available to us,” Hallet said.

“In all, we’ve had close to 100 emergency service personnel assisting in the search.”

Inspector Hallet revealed Tasmanian Police “hold strong concerns for her wellbeing due to her young age and the rough terrain and weather in the area.”

“Shayla is a healthy, happy young child and playing with those dogs was not uncommon for her,” Hallet said.

Police have reportedly revealed that Shayla enjoys the children’s game hide and seek and has hidden from her family in the past to the point where they have found it difficult to find her, although she was always found in under 15 minutes, as reported by 7 News.

The search remains ongoing, more to follow as the story develops.