RCMP forensics examining pink blanket found during search for missing N.S. children

Nova Scotia RCMP say they are forensically examining items found during the search for two young children who went missing from a rural Nova Scotia community 2½ months ago, as units from multiple provinces work to find out what happened to the siblings.

Lilly Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, were reported missing on the morning of May 2 when police received a 911 call saying they had wandered away from their home in Lansdowne Station, about 140 kilometres northeast of Halifax.

The disappearance sparked days of extensive searches of the property and surrounding woods. Two boot prints were located on the driveway of the property and on a nearby pipeline trail, and a piece of a blanket was also found on a nearby road.

In a news release Wednesday, RCMP said the major crime unit is leading the investigation with help from units in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, along with the National Centre of Missing Persons, Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and provincial and municipal police agencies from other parts of the country.

The release said a pink blanket that was seized on Lansdowne Road early in the search is being forensically examined. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Carlie McCann said the family confirmed the blanket belonged to Lilly.

"Police are investigating if and how it relates to her and her brother's disappearance," McCann said during a media availability.

She would not confirm what other materials are being examined.

The Mounties said they are reviewing about 5,000 video files obtained through a video canvass of Lansdowne Station and the surrounding areas.

They have formally interviewed more than 60 people, some of whom were given polygraph tests. The children's stepfather, Daniel Martell, has confirmed he participated in a polygraph test last month, and that he was told he passed.

Police are also following up on more than 600 tips from the public, and are "submitting judicial authorizations to seize and examine materials and devices that may provide information useful to the investigation."

Ask whether police are investigating if the children are still alive, McCann said investigators have not "closed any doors."

"All avenues are being investigated right now," said McCann.

"A tremendous amount of careful, deliberate investigative work is underway by people here at home and in other parts of Canada. Our collective efforts will continue every day until we determine with certainty the circumstances surrounding Lilly and Jack's disappearance."

McCann said an RCMP family liaison is in regular contact with a designated relative of Lilly and Jack to provide updates and support. She would not say who the relative is.