Why search for missing mum has been scaled back

“An extensive six-day search has been conducted involving local police, along with personnel from the Search and Rescue Squad, Mounted Branch and Dog Squad, plus significant assistance from members of the SES and CFA,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“Police continue to be in regular contact with Samantha’s family regarding the developments of the search and the status of the investigation.

“The investigative stage of the investigation continues and as any new information comes to hand identifying areas of interest, the search will be scaled up.”

The announcement comes the day after it was confirmed the specialist Missing Persons Squad would take the lead in the investigation into Murphy’s disappearance on Sunday, February 4.

Murphy was last seen leaving her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East to go for a run in the Canadian State Forest.

The mother’s phone was last pinged at a telecommunications tower in the Buninyong area, about 11 kilometres south of her home.

Police have repeatedly asked residents in the Ballarat East and Mount Helen areas, particularly around the Canadian Forest, to check their CCTV for any possible sightings over the past six days.

Detectives are also urging anyone travelling through the area, particularly between 7am and 7pm on Sunday, February 4, who may have dash-cam footage to also check this for possible sightings.

Investigators have maintained that they have identified no suspicious circumstances around Murphy’s disappearance.

Her daughter and husband last week issued an emotional appeal to the community.

“Mum’s a really strong woman and she’s far too determined to give up this fight,” Murphy’s daughter Jess said.

“I know she’s out there somewhere.”