By Laura Michell
A search for a 14-year-old boy missing at Mount Disappointment is still underway.
William Callaghan became separated from his family on Monday afternoon.
The teen, who has non-verbal autism, was last seen on the south side of the summit about 2.20pm.
He is wearing navy trackpants, a long sleeve striped T-shirt and a navy jumper.
Police said William taps on his chest to communicate and anyone who spotted the teen should approach him in a calm manner.
An air and ground search was launched on Monday evening, with police urging locals to check outbuildings.
Emergency services, SES volunteers and community members spent the night searching the area north of Whittlesea as temperatures plummeted .
Police said they were concerned for Will’s welfare as he was not dressed for the elements of a cold night and did not have any food or water with him.
“A further update in relation to our missing boy Will Callaghan at Mount Disappointment is that he is very energetic and we believe he could have covered a lot of distance,” police said in a statement on Monday night.
“He is also very food focused and it would not be out of the question for William to walk into a house and go to the fridge or cupboard and help himself to food.
“He might also try to put himself to bed. So we are asking residents nearby and in the vicinity of Mount Disappointment to check bedrooms and outhouses and to contact triple-0 immediately if they sight William.”
