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Vic 'Bung' disappearance taskforce closes

Police say they haven't given up on finding Melbourne schoolgirl Siriyakorn "Bung" Siriboon even though the taskforce into her disappearance has closed.

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(File: AAP)

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Source: AAP


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One of Victoria's largest missing persons taskforces is being wrapped up with police admitting they have no idea where a 13-year-old girl is more than two years since she disappeared.

But the closure of the taskforce set up to investigate the disappearance of Siriyakorn "Bung" Siriboon does not mean police have given up finding her, says Detective Superintendent Tess Walsh.

Instead, Taskforce Puma's work will be continued by the state's homicide squad.

"We're disappointed we haven't been able to speak to the family about a successful outcome," Det Supt Walsh told reporters on Friday.

"We can't answer what we think as happened at this stage, nor would we speculate."

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Taskforce Puma had been investigating the case since Bung, then 13, vanished after leaving her Boronia home in June 2011 on her way to school.

It was also headed by the homicide squad but included detectives from broader crime command, eastern region and tactical intelligence officers.

Det Supt Walsh said the transition of the investigation back to the homicide squad did not mean police had given up since "a number of avenues of inquiry" were still being worked on.

She said police believe the girl has met with foul play, but she declined to reveal if they have any suspects.

Detectives met with Bung's family on Thursday night.

"They have our absolute commitment that we're determined to keep this investigation active," Det Supt Walsh said.

Bung's family has declined to comment on the closure of the taskforce.

Det Supt Walsh said if new information was received or the investigation needed additional resources, they would have the ability to "upscale" their response.

Over the last two years, taskforce detectives have interviewed more than 250 registered sex offenders.

They have canvassed more than 1000 Boronia homes and investigated more than 1100 pieces of information and information reports generated from calls to Crime Stoppers.

Bung left her home in Elsie Street, Boronia about 8.30am on Thursday, June 2, 2011.

She was seen by a neighbour a short time later in Elsie Street, walking towards Albert Avenue.

She did not arrive at school that day and has not been seen or heard from since.

Police say they are nowhere near the stage where the case could be handed over to the Coroners Court for inquest.


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