Search for ‘loved, respected’ cop missing from Cairns widens

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The search for a "loved" and "respected" police officer reported missing from Far North Queensland has widened to a neighbouring suburb as authorities struggle to locate any sign of him.

Senior Constable Scott Duff, 50, was last seen walking on Slipper Street in Edmonton, in Cairns, about midday on Monday before he disappeared.

Extensive resources — including police, tactical officers, SES, drones and helicopters — have been deployed over the past few days in the desperate effort to find him.

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Missing police officer Scott Duff

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Missing police officer Scott Duff

Superintendent Monique Ralph said search efforts continued today but failed to find anything that could point to the missing constable's whereabouts. 

She appealed for new vision from residents in the neighbouring suburb of Bentley Park as security and dashcam footage have helped officers piece together Duff's trail.

"We're now asking residents to check their CCTV in the vicinity of Bundey Street, Cadell Street, Fitzmaurice Drive, Capricorn Street, Laidley Close, Whela Close, Lora Close, and Hamelin Street and near the Cadell Street park," she said at a press conference.

"Anyone with CCTV footage or dash cam footage in those areas between 1pm and 6.30pm on Monday is urged to contact us." 

Ralph said Duff had been on active duty over the weekend before he vanished and that all police weapons were accounted for and checked into the station.

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Edmonton

She said his disappearance was very out of character as he was "extremely dedicated to policing" and a "family man", which has sparked serious concerns for his welfare.

"Scott is a much loved and valued member of the Queensland Police Service, as well as the community. He's a very wel-respected officer in that southern corridor," she said.

"Scott is a husband, father, son and his family are obviously desperate to try and find him.

"His disappearance is also having an effect on our local police and our community and we've been extremely overwhelmed by the support the community has provided us."

Duff was last seen wearing a dark blue-grey t-shirt, grey shorts, khaki shoes and a grey baseball cap. 

He is described as Caucasian, approximately 188cm tall with grey hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information or vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.