Pictou County community focused on search for two young children

The RCMP say a search for two young children believed to have wandered away from their home in Pictou County is continuing. 

Searchers have yet to locate Lilly Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, who were last seen around 10 a.m. Friday on Gairloch Road in Lansdowne Station, rural area in the province.

“The children are believed to have wandered from a home,” said the RCMP’s public information officer Cpl. Carlie McCann in an email. “There is no evidence to believe this is an abduction.”

McCann said a vulnerable missing persons alert was issued in Pictou County on Friday morning.

Lilly is described as having shoulder-length brown hair with bangs, and might be wearing a pink sweater, pink pants and pink boots.

Jack is described as having short, blondish hair, according to police. He was last seen wearing blue dinosaur boots.

The RCMP provided an update on X on Monday afternoon.

“Over the last three days, ground search and rescue volunteers and officers have meticulously searched the kilometres in the area around Lansdowne Station where Lily and Jack were last seen,” the Mounties said. “Searchers are diligently keeping track of which specific sections of the ground have been covered and are applying their specialized skills to allow the searchers on scene to stay safe.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the children is asked to reach out to the RCMP or to submit an anonymous tip for Crime Stoppers.

McCann says residents are being asked to use social media to raise awareness about the search.

Nova Scotia Guard called in

The children are the subject of a multi-agency response on the ground that has included police dogs and a helicopter from the provincial Department of Natural Resources.

In a message posted to the X social media platform on Saturday, Premier Tim Houston said all of Nova Scotia is hoping for the best.

“People in Pictou County and across Nova Scotia are praying for a positive outcome for two missing children,” Houston wrote. “During this time of worry, please know that our first responders and volunteers are working tirelessly during this 24/7 operation.”

Houston noted the search marks the first time the Nova Scotia Guard were put into action. The new volunteer corps were created this year, which mobilizes during emergencies and natural disasters. 

The volunteers are working in shifts and helping with food distribution, overnight protection of equipment and assisting first responders with parking and directions, Houston wrote.

Municipality of Pictou Coun. Donald Parker, said the community is consumed with worry about the children.

“We’re all very concerned, very worried. We got two little ones missing there. That’s all that’s on everybody’s minds out here,” he said.

With files from The Canadian Press.