Boronia

Homicide squad detectives have revealed they had tracked her to a spot 130m from her school in Boronia.

Det-Insp John Potter said the sighting indicated 13-year-old Bung intended to go to school but met with foul play on the morning she vanished, June 2 last year.

Insp Potter said the final sighting came as she made her way along Harcourt Rd, just before beginning the short walk along Moncoe St to Boronia Heights College, at 8.55am.

"We don't know what happened to Bung in those 130m, but clearly it's that short distance in which she's gone missing," he said.

Insp Potter said there was a strong chance the person responsible lived nearby.

"It is every likelihood that the person is local," he said. "We're hoping this information will lead to a credible suspect."

Taskforce Puma, a team of officers assigned to the case last year, remains at full strength.

Insp Potter said detectives kept working through lists of registered sex offenders and 600 calls from the public offering information.

"We hope for the best but fear the worst," he said.

The area in Harcourt Rd where Bung was last seen is lined with mostly weatherboard homes with front fences or hedging.

Local resident Rachel said it was surprising to hear news of Bung being seen in the street.

"They said something about a local person that could be involved so that's ... a massive concern.

"But I guess if it's closer to the case being solved, that's a positive thing."

Rachel said she felt for Bung's family.

"That's the saddest part, especially in a community that is not considered to be in such a bad area. It's a really safe area, but you can't really say that now I guess."

She said the street was busy enough that if there had been "any commotion" on the day somebody would have noticed.

Ange Panagiotou said it was a good area and he was not worried by the news.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppers.com.au.

People can call anonymously.


Fred Pattison and Vanidda Siriyakorn, parents of Bung (inset). Picture: Tony Gough

What happened to Siriyakorn 'Bung' Siriboon?

Police are yet to offer a reward but a spokesman said it was "not off the table".

Former homicide squad cop Charlie Bezzina, who contributes to True Crime Scene at heraldsun.com.au, said if he were leading the investigation he would consider a reward.

"There's a child involved and you have to use everything within your lawful means to try and solve it."

Mr Bezzina also floated the idea of having the case reviewed by interstate police.

"After a while you can get too close to the information and can't see the forest for the trees. It's not a slight on the investigators. It's just human nature that a fresh view on things can be paramount in breaking a case," he said.
Bung's last known movements

By Mark Buttler and Katie Bice

Source: news.com.au