Forensic officers found the bones on Monday afternoon but have not determined whether they belong to a human or animal.
“Police located a number of bones and the Forensic Services Group will examine the bones to determine if they are animal or otherwise,” a NSW Police spokesman told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“As with any search like this in bushland it is not unusual to find the remains of numerous animals,” police said.
Homicide detectives started scouring bushland on the mid north coast on Monday after a tip-off led to a fingertip search of bushland in the Queens Lake State Forest between Bonny Hills and Lake Cathie.
More than 30 officers including the Public Order Riot Squad, police from the local region, Operational Support Group and a dog squad- including a cadaver dog- began a thorough search of the area between Houston Mitchell Drive and Long Point Road.
Homicide squad detective inspector Gary Jubelin wouldn’t confirm on Sunday whether the search was for the body of the three-year-old.
“We are looking for evidence relating to the disappearance and suspected abduction of William,” said Inspector Jubelin, who claimed it was a result of “fresh evidence”.
The bushland is approximately 20 kilometres away from the small town of Kendall, where the toddler went missing from his grandmother’s yard over five months ago.
The new search is also close to William Spedding’s home in Bonny Hills which was raided by police in January- along with his pawnbroker business in Laurieton – after revelations the 63-year-old visited the home of William’s grandmother to repair a washing machine four days before the three-year-old’s disappearance.
Mr Spedding was allegedly meant to return with a new washing machine part on the day the toddler went missing and the 63-year-old claims he missed a call from William’s grandmother that day but could not reach her when trying to return her call.
Mr Spedding – who has denied any involvement in the disappearance – is a person of interest in the case but has not been charged and is not a suspect.
The family of the missing boy are constantly being updated on the latest developments by police.
The new lead comes days after the toddlers disappearance went global, with Crime Stoppers websites in 26 countries reportedly asked to post information about the missing boy.
The facts about missing toddler William Tyrell
When was William last seen?
William disappeared from his grandmother’s home in Benaroon Drive, Kendall, on the NSW Mid North Coast at 10:30am on September 12.
Police believe the toddler disappeared in a five-minute window while playing alongside his sister in his grandmother’s yard.
What does he look like?
William has been described as being of Caucasian appearance with dark hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a Spider Man suit.
What is being done to find William?
New South Wales Police released a statement saying they have commenced a new bushland search for William Tyrell and are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
How the story has developed:
Search for missing boy enters fourth day
Search for William Tyrell scaled back
Police seize mattress and computer in William Tyrell raid
William Tyrell’s family thanks searchers
