Search On For Missing Six-Year-Old Boy In Beechworth, Victoria

A major search is underway for a missing six-year-old boy with Down Syndrome who went missing last night.

Ben Dean, who police describe as “highly functioning” was last seen at his home on Chiltern Rd, Beechworth in Victoria, around 5pm last night.

A search party involving police, State Emergency Services and Country Fire Authority members scoured the family’s large rural property last night but failed to find him.

"As well, I would imagine there would be a large number of local community people who will be involved in the search,” Sergeant Geoff Still from Victoria Police told the ABC, as they prepared to ramp up the search. 

"It's very rugged terrain, very hilly, very slippery, very muddy. It's rained all night here and we are very concerned about him."

Ben was last seen wearing a red polar fleece jumper and navy blue tracksuit pants.

Police are urging anyone with information to contactthem on 03 5728 1032.