The father of missing Sydney man Matthew Leveson has warned his son's lover to "look over your shoulder", as the search for the 20-year-old's remains is suspended.
Detectives called off the search in dense bushland south of Sydney on Thursday afternoon after being unable to find Matthew's remains during an eight-day effort.
Investigators were taken to the site late last week by Mr Leveson's former boyfriend, Michael Atkins, who was acquitted of the younger man's murder two years after his 2007 disappearance.
Despite the search concluding, detectives insist they are not abandoning their efforts to find Mr Leveson.
Faye and Mark Leveson have spent every day watching over the search effort in the Royal National Park near Waterfall.
Mark Leveson, Matthew's father, said the search's conclusion was not the end.
"Although there is no results here I've got to say what this does is only strengthen our resolve," he said.
"We're now even more determined to find Matt.
"So Atkins, look over your shoulder."
In the nine years since Mr Leveson's disappearance, Mr Atkins had given no indication of where the missing man's remains could be found.
However, he led detectives to the potential burial site after he was offered immunity from prosecution for perjury and contempt of an ongoing inquest.
A white sneaker unearthed at the site on Friday is still being examined by forensics to determine whether it has any connection with Mr Leveson.
Inspector Gary Jubelin paid tribute to the young man's family.
"It's been difficult for them and it's been a privilege to work with them on this investigation," he told reporters.
"The search conducted by the NSW police in this area of national park is now concluded. We're going to continue in our efforts to locate Matthew Leveson," he added.
"I can't talk details of the investigation. It is the subject of a current coronial inquiry which is resuming on the 6th of March."
The missing man's parents were guided around the search site earlier in day.
The search is undoubtedly taking its toll on a family seeking solace.
"After all these long days it is devastating," Mr Leveson said.
"We had high hopes for an early resolution but it wasn't the case."
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