A fresh search has been launched for a man who vanished without a trace five months ago.
Homicide detectives now believe Daniel Copeland, 40, could have met with foul play and will conduct a land and water search in northern New South Wales over the next two days.
Police on Wednesday released CCTV images of Mr Copeland at a bottle shop in Maclean on September 3 last year as part of a new appeal for information.
He was then seen travelling in the Wooli area, south-east of Grafton, in a silver 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer the next day.
A massive search has commenced after Daniel Copeland disappeared in September
CCTV footage (pictured) shows Mr Copeland at a bottle shop on Centenary Drive in Maclean at 2.35pm on September 3
Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty said investigations to this point have led detectives to the river.
‘Homicide detectives will be combing the Wooli Wooli River area for the coming two days, searching for any clues that may lead us to Daniel,’ he said.
‘As our inquiries continue, we’re also continuing to appeal to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the time of Daniel’s disappearance.’
Mr Doherty said police believe the missing man may have ties to Toowoomba in Queensland, and asked anyone in that area with information to come forward.
‘Ultimately this is an exercise in trying to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Daniel Copeland,’ he said.
Mr Copeland is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of solid build, with a blond mohawk, and a full sleeve tattoo on his right arm
CCTV footage shows Mr Copeland at a bottle shop on Centenary Drive in Maclean at 2.35pm on September 3.
He is seen buying a case of Woodstock Bourbon and Cola before getting into a white Toyota 4WD.
The next day, the missing man was captured travelling in the Wooli area, approximately 12km south-east of Grafton, in a silver 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Detectives believe Mr Copeland was not travelling alone and said he ‘could have met with foul play’.
Mr Copeland is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of solid build, with a blond mohawk, and a full sleeve tattoo on his right arm.
He was last seen wearing North Queensland Cowboys NRL shorts, a green long-sleeve shirt and a black hoodie.
