Independent canine search for Wesley Lockyer uncovers three sites ‘likely to contain’ human remains

An independent canine search for a man missing since October 2022 has uncovered three Pilbara sites likely to contain human remains. The family of Wesley Lockyer contacted Human Remains Detection Dogs WA Inc which searched four sites in the Pilbara from July 24 to 27. The search, which involved four dogs and seven volunteers, covered an area of around 15-20km and highlighted three sites likely to contain human remains. Human Remains Detection Dogs WA secretary Georgia De Niet said the evidence for remains being in the signalled areas was very strong. “We train with animal remains as a distraction so we know the dogs will only indicate on human remains and they will ignore animals who have passed away,” she said. “To have all four dogs indicate in those three areas is a very good indication that there are remains present. “That information was then handed over to the police and our part of the search is over.” Wesley Lockyer went missing after leaving the Jinparinya Aboriginal Community in October 2022. Police and private investigators have led land and air searches in the Pilbara since his disappearance. The new information was handed over to the police. A police spokesperson said they would act on new information provided to them by the community. “The WA Police Force were not involved in the latest search, organised by Mr Lockyer’s family. We have since been provided advice by the private canine squad conducting the search,” they said. “Our investigation into the whereabouts of Wesley Lockyer remains ongoing. “We will explore all possible circumstances relating to his disappearance, and act on all information provided to us by the community. “The family of Mr Lockyer will be provided investigative developments as appropriate.”