Police have revealed that a person seen on CCTV footage believed to be missing mother-of-three Samantha Murphy has emerged in a shocking twist in the ongoing search for the woman.
Ms Murphy, 51, disappeared on Sunday after leaving her home on Eureka Street, East Ballarat, in Melbourne’s northwest, at 7.16am to go for a run.
Victoria Police released CCTV footage on Wednesday showing a person leaving a property before driving north-east towards Yankee Flat Road, near the intersection with Warrenheip Road.
The person is believed to have been Mrs Murphy, who was heading out for a 20km run through the Canadian national forest.
Police confirmed on Thursday that a member of the public came forward to identify himself as the person seen in the CCTV footage.
Police have revealed that a person seen on CCTV (pictured) believed to be missing mother Samantha Murphy has now identified herself
“In relation to the most recent CCTV footage released yesterday, a member of the community came forward and identified themselves as the individual running,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said in a statement.
“For this reason, the images are no longer relevant to the search for Samantha.”
She broke down in tears as she addressed the media on Thursday, pleading for the public’s help to help find her mother.
“Mommy, we love you so much and we miss you and we need you home with us. Please come home soon, I can’t wait to see you.’ Jess said.
“Mom is a very strong woman, and she is far too determined to give up this fight.”
Ms Murphy (pictured), 51, disappeared on Sunday after leaving her home on Eureka Street, East Ballarat, in Melbourne’s northwest, at 7.16am to go for a run.
Earlier on Wednesday, Daily Mail Australia witnessed Ms Murphy’s husband, Michael, speaking to police at the crime scene.
He visited the bush area in Woowookarung Regional Park about 1.45pm and spoke briefly to Victoria police officers through a car window.
Mr Murphy, a panel beater, appeared visibly bewildered and turned away.
It is not suggested that Mr Murphy played any role in Ms Murphy’s disappearance, only that he came to see what the authorities had found.
Police said the items found in bushland were not linked to her whereabouts.
Police, SES and volunteers appeared to be leaving no stone unturned in the search on Wednesday morning.
Volunteers were seen looking under bushes and inspecting undergrowth immediately outside the Murphy home.
On Tuesday, Acting Inspector Lisa MacDougall said her mobile phone had pinged in Buninyong, but “investigations are ongoing to see if (the phone) is still on.”
“It’s clear that phone batteries can run out, but that’s part of the investigation,” she told reporters on Monday.
Mrs Murphy was known to be fit and walked through the national forest almost every day.
Ms Murphy is described as white, approximately 173cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length blonde hair.
Anyone who sees her is asked to contact police immediately.