Queensland Police seek public assistance in search for missing teen Linden Malayta

The Queensland Police Service says it has "exhausted all avenues of investigation" in the search for missing 18-year-old Linden Malayta.

The teenager was last seen in Ayr, south of Townsville, in March 2019 when he was 15.

An appeal for public assistance was made on Tuesday when Queensland Police revealed that reported sightings of Linden could not be confirmed.  

Child Protection Investigation Unit Officer in Charge Dave Miles said the reports suggested that Linden had travelled to Townsville and was no longer considered missing, but recent police inquiries sparked fresh concern for his welfare. 

"The reality is no one can, with any certainty, say they have seen Linden in the last couple of years," Senior Sergeant Miles said.

"There is certainly nothing in what we have found so far that identifies anyone [who] has had contact with him.

Unconfirmed reports of social media use

Police have been investigating reports that Linden had recently used social media, Senior Sergeant Miles said.

"We haven't ruled out the fact it's him," Senior Sergeant Miles said.

"We just don't know at this stage given the anonymity behind the various platforms which can be used."

Police are urging family members and the community to come forward with any new information on Linden's movements.

The possibility that Linden wanted to start a new life would also be pursued.

"There was some initial info that led to inquiries in South Australia that proved to be a bit of a red herring from our perspective," Senior Sergeant Miles said.

"It may well be he doesn't want to be contacted or found by family and friends and that's fine.

Linden is Aboriginal with brown eyes and dark brown hair. He often wore a red baseball cap. 

Anyone who may have seen Linden or knows where he may be is urged to contact Queensland Police.