Search continues for Belgian backpacker last seen leaving Byron Bay bar
A desperate search for a Belgian backpacker, last seen leaving a Byron Bay bar on May 31, has entered its third day, with "no sign" of the teen.
Police are appealing for any information that may help them find Theo Hayez, 18, who left his passport and personal belongings in the hostel room from which he was meant to check out last Thursday.
Mr Hayez was reported missing when he failed to check out from the Byron Bay WakeUp! Backpacker hostel and staff could not contact him.
Police say Mr Hayez was last seen when CCTV captured him leaving the Cheeky Monkey's bar on Jonson Street, about 11pm on May 31.
It is understood he was last active on WhatsApp early on June 1, but he has failed to make contact with anyone since and his phone is now switched off.
Volunteer searchers, including his cousin Lisa Hayez and more than a dozen backpackers, have met since Saturday outside the bar.
They, with assistance from the SES and Westpac Life Saver Helicopter, conducted a land, air and water search on Sunday.
"At this stage, there's been no sign of him," a police spokesman said.
"There was some reports that an item of clothing was found, but it's been discounted."
Chief Inspector Matthew Kehoe, who is leading the search, said on Monday that searchers would focus on bushland towards the east and north-east of Byron Bay.
He also renewed calls for information from the public, saying,"We believe someone must have seen Theo after he left the licensed premises.
"I am appealing for anyone that has information or dashcam footage from Jonson or Tennyson streets around 11pm on Friday, May 31, to come forward," he said.
"Although Theo has only been in Australia for a short time, we are advised that this disappearance is completely out of character for him."
with AAP, Lucy Cormack