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Body believed to be Ian Collett’s was found in previously searched area

Ben SmithComment News

POLICE say the body of a man they believe to be missing Canning Vale grandfather Ian Collett was found in an area they had previously searched.

A road worker discovered the body in bushland roughly five metres from the road on Albany Highway near the Hakea Road intersection in Ashendon at about 9.30am this morning.

MORE: Police close down Albany Highway after discovery of body believed to be Ian Collett

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Police are investigating whether the body was Mr Collett’s, but commander Brad Sorrell confirmed police believed that to be the case.

While Commander Sorrell confirmed the body was found in a previously searched area, he said there was currently no indication when and how it arrived there.

“I’m satisfied we followed the rules of LandSAR, the search was comprehensive, with qualified people doing the best they can,” he said.

“It was regrettable we didn’t find him, but we don’t know the circumstances.

“The body was located in the search area, but we do not know when it got there.”

Commander Sorrell said officers were consoling Mr Collett’s family.

“The family did everything they could and our heart goes out to them,” he said.

“They’re being consoled right now by some senior police officers who have been with them over the duration and they’ve formed quite a close bond.

“If we can confirm through forensic process, it should give the family some closure, which we are happy about.”

Commander Sorrell also paid tribute to the numerous volunteers and community members who assisted police during the search and thanked them for their efforts.

Traffic on Albany Highway will remain affected in the area the body was found for the afternoon as officers continue to examine the scene.

Mr Collett was reported missing on Saturday May 19 after leaving his Canning Vale home and was last seen later that day in Armadale and Byford.

The search started on that day and lasted 17 days as police searched nearly 10,000ha and 186km of road.