The remains of a toddler have reportedly been uncovered in an Australian back garden after a child went missing in 2014. The family living at the Melbourne property around the time a toddler disappeared abruptly stopped paying rent, vandalised the house and “ran off”, according to sources speaking to ABC. 

On Wednesday, police confirmed the discovery of what seemed to be human remains during an excavation at the Brookfield home, in the city’s north-west. Authorities believe a toddler went missing in 2014, but they were only informed of the disappearance earlier this year. The remains are yet to be formally identified.

Matthew, who moved into the property with his young family in August 2014, expressed uncertainty about the previous occupants. He said their move-in date was postponed due to damage to the house. 

He said: “When we picked up the keys, the real estate agent said, ‘We’re sorry but the house has been trashed’. Holes in the walls, doors off their hinges.

“It’s quite disturbing. [The body was found] very close to where we used to spend a lot of time outside, and have our table and chairs.

“My wife is really freaked out. She’s been going back through all our photos to see if she can see anything. She just couldn’t believe it.”

Matthew’s family lived there for approximately two years, but they didn’t notice anything else suspicious in this time.

Another anonymous source backed up Matthew’s account, saying that the family who lived in the house prior were there for roughly six months.

Monday’s search was conducted by Victoria Police with assistance from the Missing Persons Squad, Australian Federal Police, Major Crime Scene Unit and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.