New South Wales police are stepping up their search for a sixteen-year old boy who went missing four days ago.

Matthew Appleby’s family say his disappearance is completely out of character.

Amy Stewart reports.

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Matthew was last seen at Terrigal Primary after walking his younger brother to class on Monday morning.

But the teenager failed to turn up at his own school.

Central Coast police have conducted air, land and sea searches and had planned on searching the Kincumba Mountain nature reserve.

But after receiving fresh information, they’re now focussing on Avoca Beach where Matthew’s backpack was found on Tuesday.

Police have refused to disclose what new information they’ve received, saying it could “jeopardise the operation”.

But they did say they’re now looking at whether Matthew could have drowned.

Anyone with information on Matthew’s whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Amy Stewart, QUT News.