Tag Archives: oceania

Remains found in years-long search for Belgian tourist

A bushwalker has found human remains in the area in in Waratah on Tasmania's west coast where a Belgian tourist went missing in 2023.

Tasmania Police Inspector Andrew Hanson said the person had been searching the Philosopher Falls area as part of continuing efforts to locate Celine Cremer.

Cremer was last seen in Waratah on Saturday, June 17 in 2023.

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Cremer was last seen in Waratah on Saturday, June 17 in 2023.

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"While forensic testing is yet to be completed, a pathologist has reviewed images and confirmed the remains are human," Hanson said.

"The volunteer contacted police immediately after the discovery, and officers from the Western District, along with specialist forensic personnel, are attending the scene."

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Belgian traveller Céline Cremer.

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Hanson said Celine's family in Belgiumwas notified this afternoon.

"We understand how distressing this development may be for her loved ones, and while everyone involved hopes it will help to provide answers, formal forensic analysis is required before we can determine whether the remains belong to Celine," he said.

"The person who located these remains has been dedicated to searching for Celine for some time, and their continued efforts and that of other volunteer search parties reflects the strong community support behind this matter."

Cremer was believed to have gone on a bushwalk at Philosopher Falls, but didn't return. Her empty white Honda CRV was found in a car park.

Police believe she got lost trying to find her way back to her car.

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Homicide detectives probe woman’s death after body found at popular beach

Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a woman found at a popular beach south-west of Melbourne.

A community member discovered the woman's body at Eastern Beach in Geelong about 11.20am today and alerted lifeguards.

Emergency services, including police and paramedics, were called to the scene. 

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Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a woman found at a popular beach south-west of Melbourne.

Police, including homicide squad detectives, are working to formally identify the woman and how she died. 

Council officers are also reviewing CCTV footage and helping police with their investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Greater Geelong Council chief executive Ali Wastie said the situation was "tragic" as she commended the efforts of the people involved.

"The lifeguards responded quickly and immediately notified emergency services," she said. 

"I want to praise the first responders for their prompt efforts in this tragic situation, and also recognise the community member who alerted the lifeguards."

Eastern Beach is a popular location for swimmers and families due to its shark-proof sea bath, children's pool, park and playgrounds. 

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Couple held at gunpoint during violent home invasion

A couple has described being held at gunpoint after opportunistic thugs targeted them in a violent home invasion in Melbourne's south-east.

Police believe two men were casing an estate in Clyde North about 2.20am on January 23 when they parked in Aintree Close and got out of a maroon-coloured four-door sedan.

It's believed the pair walked around the corner, where Rod and Annie Maureen's garage door on Yellowstone Avenue was slightly open.

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Annie-Maureen and Rod fell victim to the violent attack.

"Rod couldn't sleep… so he just went down, had a cigarette and… he'd opened the garage door just a little, but a little bit too much," victim Annie-Maureen said.

The pair allegedly entered the garage and confronted Rod, 58, threatening him with a gun as they made demands for his car keys.

When Rod refused, he was allegedly assaulted and lost consciousness after falling to the ground.

The offenders then made their way into a bedroom where Annie-Maureen, 59, was asleep.

They allegedly held her at gunpoint and demanded she hand over her car keys.

"I was woken up with the lights on and, with two guns in my face," she said.

"They just said it twice, 'give us the keys to the Lexus,' and then within a second or two, they just said 'found them' and bolted, and that was it," she said.

"They found the spare key downstairs near the front door."

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The thieves were last seen fleeing the scene in a maroon-coloured four-door sedan.

Police allege the duo made off with Rod's wallet and a garage fob, but they were unable to steal the victim's car because Annie-Maureen had fitted it with a club lock.

"I knew my car looked nice, and I'm aware of my safety," Annie Maureen said.

"So I just thought a little bit of insurance, a club lock would be safe, and he'd take longer to break into the car and take it."

The pair was last seen fleeing the scene in the maroon-coloured sedan travelling towards Patterson Road.

Rod was taken to hospital with minor injuries, while Annie-Maureen was not physically injured.

Detective Senior Constable Candice Taylor said they believe the violent alleged attack was "completely opportunistic" and could be linked to similar incidents in recent weeks.

"We do believe that this vehicle we are after has been linked to two other aggravated burglaries and theft of motor vehicles," Taylor said.

"These kinds of crimes change people's lives.

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Police have released composite images of two men they would like to speak with.

"I think it's cowardly. I think to wave a firearm at a 58 and 59-year-old male and female that are in their home, it's just. It's deplorable.

"It's actually disgraceful, and I think it goes against everything that we stand for as a community."

Investigators have released digital composite images of two men who they believe can assist the investigation.

The first offender is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged in his early 20s, approximately 180cm tall with a tanned complexion and blue eyes.

He was seen wearing a black hoodie and black surgical mask.

The second offender is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged in his late teens, approximately 180cm tall with blue eyes.

He was seen wearing a black ski mask and a black hoodie.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or further information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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