
A 17-year-old boy has been found alive after spending six days lost in dense Australian bushland.
William, whose surname has not been released, disappeared last Friday while camping with a friend in bushland around 180km (112 miles) east of Melbourne, Victoria.
A search involving police dogs, divers and helicopters was launched, with freezing overnight temperatures having sparked fears for his wellbeing.
His relieved family said he was uninjured, although his mother joked he would be ‘grounded for life’.
Elizabeth Barkley told reporters her son had suffered only a few scratches and appeared to be in good health.
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‘He’s doing fine, everything seems to be fine, he’s in perfect health,’ she said.
‘He just stayed in one spot and waited to be rescued and I’m just over the moon he’s alive.’
Joking about his disappearance, she added: ‘He’s never leaving the house again.’
Police officers were also emotional after finding the teenager alive.
Victoria Police Acting Inspector Jason Benbow said: ‘It doesn’t happen all the time.
‘I’m sure he’s got a story to tell us soon, which we’re very keen to hear.’
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