Overview

• Police detained a 42-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy in a late-night raid in Porepunkah before releasing both pending further inquiries.
• Search operations are being slowed by hazardous terrain and worsening conditions with rain, hail, snow to about 600–700 metres and winds forecast near 110–115 km/h.
• Victoria Police say every capability has been deployed, with hundreds of specialist officers and support from other jurisdictions and federal resources.
• Teams are scouring mines, caves and dugouts as helicopters and drones continue aerial sweeps, and Mount Buffalo National Park remains closed to visitors.
• Authorities describe Freeman as armed with bush survival experience and urge the public to stay vigilant, report sightings and avoid unnecessary travel.