New search launched for missing girls in Mid North

A private search is now taking place for two girls who went missing in Adelaide more than 50 years ago. Eleven-year-old Joanne Ratcliffe and four-year-old Kirste Gordon disappeared from the Adelaide Oval on August 25, 1973. The girls were last seen at a football game. They had walked away to use the toilets but never returned to their families. Over the years, there have been various leads, including reports of a man seen with the girls, but they have never been found. Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed that the new search is happening north of Adelaide. However, he stated that the South Australian police do not believe there is any new evidence that would justify further investigation. "We have previously searched that location, and don’t believe there is any evidence to warrant any further investigation," he said. In 2014, there was a search at a property in Yatina, located in South Australia's Mid North. Searches included digging up a well, but nothing of significance was discovered. Reports indicate that the new search is happening at the same property. Detective Inspector Greg Hutchins mentioned that information collected over time and a tip to Crime Stoppers led to the earlier investigation. He noted that previous occupants of the Yatina property had been linked to the case but that their involvement could not be proven. Recently, there was also a seven-day search for the missing Beaumont children in Adelaide. This search did not uncover any clues or remains. The Beaumont children went missing from Glenelg Beach in 1966.