On Monday, police began their second major search for any evidence that could shed light on what happened to the Belmont mother-of-two, who was last seen in Muswellbrook in September.

Speaking on Thursday morning, Hunter Valley acting crime manager Detective Inspector Shane Buggy said they had found a number of items of interest during this week’s operation, although it was not yet confirmed whether any were linked to Ms McBride’s disappearance.

“I can’t elaborate further,” he said.

“But there are a number of items being considered by us.

“We’ve been finding items that need to be considered.”

Investigators have been searching land and a dam at the back of Ironbark Ridge Estate, located on the edge of Muswellbrook.

Police divers are also scouring the Hunter River in Aberdeen, Detective Inspector Buggy said.

He said that due to the large amount of land and difficult terrain that was being looked at they expected to extend the operation to Tuesday.

Specialist units including police divers, sniffer dogs, a police helicopter and the operational support group have been utilised in the search.

In December detectives announced Strike Force Karabi had been established, launching a homicide investigation and two-day search.

Ms McBride, 31, was last seen in Calgaroo Avenue at Muswellbrook about 2pm on September 30.

Her former partner has told police she had left his home to walk to Muswellbrook McDonald’s, about a kilometre away, to be picked up by her partner of three months, Sayle Newson.

Mr Newson has told police he had not seen her since dropping her off at the house.

When Ms McBride disappeared she was wearing a yellow-coloured top, denim jeans and beige sandals.

Detective Inspector Buggy said they continued to urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.