Police again conducting 'targeted search' for Samantha Murphy

Police are continuing the search for Samantha Murphy on Friday, but have not disclosed the exact location of the search area.

The "targeted search" follows on from a search of the Enfield State Park on Thursday, involving a "significant number of detectives from the Missing Persons Squad", according to Detective acting superintendent Mark Hatt.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024:

There was no result in Thursday's search for the body of Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy in Enfield State Park.

After two months of "extensive searching" in the "Canadian Forest area" police units moved the ongoing search to the Enfield State Park, south of Ballarat.

The public was asked to stay away from the search area, and cadaver dogs were deployed, as well as the mounted unit and officers on dirtbikes.

Detective acting superintendent Mark Hatt said the search involved a "significant number of detectives from the Missing Persons Squad".

"Since Samantha's disappearance over two months ago, a range of searches and other enquiries have been undertaken in the Ballarat area as part of this investigation," he said in a statement.

"I want to assure those in the Ballarat community that police remain focused on doing everything we can to return Samantha to her family."

Patrick Stephenson, 22, has been charged with Samantha Murphy's murder on March 6.

He remains in custody and will appear at Ballarat Magistrates' Court on August 8.

Samantha Murphy was last seen leaving her Eureka Street home about 7am on Sunday, February 4.

Anyone with any information about Samantha's disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au