DETECTIVES investigating the disappearance of Belmont woman Carly McBride now believe she may have met with foul play, launching a homicide investigation and two-day search on the outskirts of Muswellbrook.
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Ms McBride, 31, was last seen in Calgaroo Avenue at Muswellbrook about 2pm on September 30 this year, after visiting a child at her ex-partner's house.
She was due to be picked up at Muswellbrook McDonald's, a kilometre or so from the house, but never turned up.
Hunter Valley police were called in when she failed to return to her Belmont home and could not be contacted.
Initially treated as a missing person case, Hunter Valley police launched Strike Force Karabi to investigate.
Detectives now believe she may have met with foul play and say they hold serious concerns for her welfare.
They launched a two-day search of the Muswellbrook area on Monday, focusing on land surrounding the Ironbark Ridge Estate, near the intersection of Ironbark and Rutherford roads.
The search is being led by Hunter Valley police, with assistance from Northern Region's Operational Support Group, the NSW Police Rescue Squad and the NSW Police Dog Unit.
The operation is expected to run from 8am to 4pm on Tuesday.
Hunter Valley police Detective Inspector Timothy Seymour said police were eager to speak to anyone with information about Ms McBride's disappearance.
"We've conducted extensive searches during our investigations and our inquiries have now led us to believe that the missing person was met with foul play and is deceased," Detective Inspector Seymour said. "The focus of the investigation has therefore shifted from a missing persons case to a homicide investigation.
"As our inquiries continue, we are very interested to hear from anyone who may be able to shed some light on the circumstances surrounding Carly's disappearance.
"No matter how insignificant it may seem, any information could help solve this mystery, so if you know something please contact Crime Stoppers."
Ms McBride is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 165 centimetres to 175cm tall, with a thin build, brown hair and brown eyes.
When last seen, Ms McBride was said to be wearing light-blue jeans, a yellow knitted top with puffy sleeves, beige thongs and she had her hair tied up.
Anyone who sees Carly or believes they know her whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
