There was a full-on search for the boy when his parents realised he was missing early on Tuesday morning, with CCTV footage on Monday night the last anyone saw of him, with his brother Eric.
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While he’s not been seen since, his pencil case and inhaler have been found.
He said nothing and kept his head down for much of his appearance.
She said with each passing hour, police grew more anxious for Alex.
They will focus on areas in the south of the forest which were not covered in yesterday’s search, plus a detailed examination of a few areas which have already been looked at.
Alex’s family released a statement thanking everyone who has been involved in the search.
According to Inspector Sarah Stewart, “Although it is still subject to a formal identification we have reason to believe this is Alex Fisher”.
Up to 65 rescuers searched the forest for any sign of the boy yesterday.
“Obviously this is absolutely the worst outcome for all involved”, she told reporters. “He’s got asthma and we’re really concerned for his safety so again we appeal to the public to let us know if they have any information about the whereabouts of Alex”. We strongly ask media to respect the family’s privacy at this time and not approach them or their address.
Police confirm the arrest is connected with Alex’s disappearance, but will not explain how.
Manawatu area commander Inspector Sarah Stewart said hundreds of properties were being visited, and gardens searched.
The search has involved police sniffer dogs, trying to trace the boy’s trail, and police and air force helicopters.
Incident controller Sergeant Bill Nicholson said yesterday afternoon about 80 per cent of the forest block had been combed and the items belonging to Alex were found close together.
At least five light armoured vehicles were being used for transporting army personnel and not to help in the search.
Police will assess all information relating to the search to enable decisions to be made on the next phase of the search operation. That’s part of the area where the search for Alex is still under way, only 300 metres down the road from the park. It’s a hub for the little beach village on New Zealand’s lower North Island, where the population fluctuates between 500 and 800. Neighbours described him as a polite boy who always had a smile on his face.
Ten-year-old Alexander Fisher is in the shop with his older brother, Eric.
Ten is the starting age for Scouts.
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Alex is captured on CCTV at the Waitarere Four Square supermarket on Monday.
