Little boy, 4, vanishes into Australian outback with no trace other than one tragic clue

A little boy aged just four years old has gone missing in the Australian outback, sparking a major search operation.

The young boy is called August Lamonte, but he's known by family members as Gus, and picutres have now been released in order to help identify him. Officials and volunteers are desperately searching for the youngster after he went missing while visiting his grandparents six days ago.

Members of the Australian military have now joined the search, but police have explained it is now in the 'recovery phase' of the rescue operation. They have warned it is 'unrealistic' that the young boy will have survived alone for six days in the wilderness of the Australian outback.

He was last seen wearing a grey hat and a navy blue shirt with a Despicable Me minion character on, and trousers. His disappearance has mystified police, as he only left one trace behind.

Australian military have joined the police in the search operation (South Australian Police)

A single footprint was found, some 500 metres from the property where he went missing.

Police do not believe the boy was taken, as it is such a remote area, but of the footprint, they told the media: "It's a very similar boot pattern to what Gus was wearing when he went missing."

So far the search has involved police, divers, infrared cameras, dogs and drones to give the best chance of finding the little boy, in what has been described as 'harsh' terrain.

A family friend, Bill Harbison, shared a statement from the devastated family: "This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened."Gus's absence is felt in all of us and we miss him more than words can express.

"Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely," he continued.

"At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we focus all our energy on supporting the search and working closely with the police."

A single footprint is the only trace, believed to be similar to the boots Gus was wearing when he went missing (South Australian Police)

"We are incredibly grateful to the South Australia Police, emergency services and the many organisations and community members, neighbours and friends who have come together to help find Gus."

A traditional aboriginal tracker has also been brought in to help, alongside hundreds of community members who have volunteered for the search operation.

Police have also said it was 'unusual' for the little boy to wander off.

They added: "We understand he's a pretty quiet sort of lad but he is, as you know, a country lad and he's pretty adventurous as well.

"But him moving out of the area is a little bit unusual."

The footprint is the 'strongest lead we've had' so far, but they added that time is running out.

The property where Gus went missing is some 200 miles (320 kilometres) north of Adelaide.