August “Gus” Lamont went missing on Saturday, Sept. 27, after leaving his family’s home in the remote Australian outback

Police search for 4-year-old boy Gus Lamont in the Australian outback.Credit : South Australia Police

A family is holding out hope that their 4-year-old son will be safely returned to them days after he disappeared in the Australian outback.

August “Gus” Lamont went missing around 5 p.m. local time on Saturday, Sept. 27, after leaving his family’s home in a remote area about 25 miles from Yunta, a town in South Australia, 7NEWS reported.

According to a press release from the South Australia police, Gus is a Caucasian boy with long blonde curly hair. He was last seen wearing a cobalt blue T-shirt with a Minions logo on it along with a grey sunhat, with light grey pants and boots.

Police release shirt similar to what Gus Lamont was wearing when he went missing.South Australia Police

Police and search teams have conducted an “extensive ground search” in addition to using drones, ATVs, trailbikes, dogs and aerial searches. The Water Operations Police and Mounted Operations Unit joined the search on Monday, Sept. 29, to search the dams and tanks around the property. So far none of the searches have found traces of Gus.

PEOPLE has reached out to the South Australia Police for updates on the situation.

Search teams look for 4-year-old Gus Lamont.South Australia Police

Gus’ family released a statement via the SA Police on Tuesday, Sept. 30, saying, “We are devastated by the disappearance of our beloved Gus on Saturday afternoon. This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened.”

Sharing that they “miss him more than words can express,” the family added, “Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely.”

Police search local areas for missing 4-year-old boy, Gus Lamont.South Australia Police

The family, who have chosen to remain private and have not released an image of Gus, added that they are “deeply distressed” and asked members of the media not to reach out to them directly.

Family friend Bill Harbison made a public, emotional statement on Sept. 30 on behalf of the Lamont family.

“It’s a pretty, pretty hard time, hard time for everybody,” Harbison said through tears. “Four days is hard for a 4-year-old.”

According to 7News, police will make a decision on how many resources they will continue to use in the search on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Anyone with information on Gus’ whereabouts has been asked to contact www.crimestopperssa.com.au or to call 1-800-333-000 and quote reference #250513.