A new police taskforce will continue the search for alleged gunman Dezi Freeman as Mount Buffalo National Park is set to re-open after weeks of closure stemming from the police investigation into Mr Freeman.
Victoria Police has announced that Taskforce Summit will take the lead in the ongoing search for Mr Freeman, who is wanted for allegedly killing two police officers.
The taskforce will be based in the Great Alpine area in Victoria’s north-east and be led by detectives from Crime Command, specialist resources from the Fugitive Squad, Armed Crime Squad, VIPER taskforce, Special Operations Group, Search and Rescue Squad and local Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems members.
Police searched the Mount Buffalo National Park. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
Victoria Police Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said police remained “committed to using every available resource and the necessary capabilities to find Freeman”.
“This investigation is far from over,”
he said.
Members from the Public Order Response Team have been embedded at police stations in Bright and Myrtleford.
Victoria Police said it had increased local patrols and enhanced police numbers in the area for the ongoing search.
Mount Buffalo National Park was closed to the public as police searched for Dezi Freeman. (ABC News)
Park to reopen
The Mount Buffalo National Park was closed while police searched for Mr Freeman from the ground and air.
Earlier this month the park partially reopened to visitors, and from today will re-open fully to the public following police advice.
Detectives have investigated more than 1,700 pieces of intelligence, including tips from the public.
Assistant Commissioner O’Brien said a resolution to the investigation could only be achieved through public assistance.
“I strongly urge anyone with any information at all, no matter how small you think it may be, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers,” he said.
“This could be sightings of Freeman, information you’re hearing in your local communities, even suspicious activity on your property – whatever it is, we want to hear from you. As always, this can be done anonymously.
Police have been searching for Dezi Freeman on the ground and from the air. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
“It has been an extremely challenging investigation but are we incredibly determined to see this to resolution.”
A reward of up to $1 million remains on offer for information leading to Mr Freeman’s arrest.