Fresh search launched for body of missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy

Police searching for the body of missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy will scour a new area of bushland south of Ballarat.

In a statement, Victoria Police said they would conduct a “significant search” of the Enfield State Park on Thursday.

Earlier searches were focused on areas around Buninyong and throughout the Canadian Forest on Ballarat’s south-eastern fringe. Thursday’s search is about 15 kilometres further south of Buninyong.

“Today’s search will be undertaken in an area within the Enfield State Park and will focus on trying to locate Samantha’s body,” police said.

“As such, police are asking that members of the public do not join today’s search efforts at this time. The search will focus on an area highlighted by intelligence derived from a number of sources.

“The Murphy family has also been informed of this week’s search and police continue to liaise closely with them during the course of this investigation.”

Murphy, 51, left her home about 7am on February 4 to go for a run in Woowookarung Regional Park, locally known as Canadian Forest – an expanse of dense scrub bordering her property on Ballarat’s eastern fringe.

In late February, police revealed their doubts that she was still alive and alleged someone else was involved in her disappearance.