Police have stepped up their search for Avondale Heights woman Karen Ristevski, who has been missing for more than two weeks.
Detectives, members of a missing persons squad and the SES are today searching along the banks of the Maribyrnong River between Canning Reserve and Buckley Street.
Police have also released images of Mrs Ristevski’s Coach handbag and wallet in case they are seen by a member of the public.
Mrs Ristevski, 47, went missing about 10am on Wednesday, June 29. She was last seen at her Oakley Drive house.
It is believed she had an argument with her husband Borce over financial issues just prior to her disappearance. The couple own Watergardens formal wear business Bella Bleu.
Detectives confirmed on Monday that Mr Ristevski was questioned last Friday about his wife’s disappearance. He has been released pending further inquiries.
The Herald Sun has reported that Australian actor Samuel Johnson has publicly pleaded for Ms Ristevski’s safe return.
Mr Johnson, best known for his starring roles in The Secret Life of Us and Molly, said he and Ms Ristevski became friends about two years ago when she offered to donate tailored gowns for his sister Connie, who had just undergone a double mastectomy.
Sarah Ristevski, Karen and Borce’s 21-year-old daughter, made an emotional plea for help to find her mother just days after she went missing.
She told 3AW she has contacted her mother’s friends on Facebook in the hope they might have clues as to her whereabouts.
“There’s no leads at all, no sightings, nothing,” she said.
Sarah said she was desperate for her mother to return home.
At the time Mrs Ristevski went missing, she was wearing a black jacket and dark pants. She has shoulder-length dark hair, is about 160 centimetres tall and has a slim build.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
