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ABC News
National

Police searching for Tèa Wright-Finger say the car she was last seen near was stolen in north Queensland days before she disappeared

Police investigating the disappearance of a 19-year-old woman in remote north-west Queensland say the car she was last seen near was stolen.

A major land and air search is continuing for Tèa Wright-Finger in the Richmond area, about 400 kilometres east of Mount Isa.

A friend dropped the teenager at a blue Toyota Prado outside of town on October 16 and she was reported missing two days later.

Inspector Damien Crosby said the vehicle had been stolen from Proserpine in north Queensland on October 14.

"The Prado was stolen as a result of a fraud-related offence," Inspector Crosby said.

"We're not discounting any avenues of inquiry.

"Obviously, the fact that the vehicle was stolen is part of an investigation.

"But I would reiterate to Tèa, or any acquaintances of Tèa, that our priority remains to locate her safe and well and make sure she's OK.

"We haven't been able to locate the vehicle or confirm the direction of travel from Richmond, which is why search operations at Richmond are continuing."

Land search 'only one component' of investigation

Police search and rescue teams, SES volunteers, council workers and several aircraft have been scouring rough terrain in the Richmond area.

Inspector Crosby there was no evidence to suggest foul play was involved with Ms Wright-Finger's disappearance.

The 19-year-old worked on cattle stations around the region and in the Northern Territory.

Inspector Crosby said police were also analysing an "extensive amount of CCTV and video footage" and conducting inquiries with their Northern Territory counterparts.

"The land search at Richmond is only one component of the overall missing person investigation," he said.

Locals say Ms Wright-Finger had been at a party at another property the night before she went missing.

Inspector Crosby said police were still "desperately" seeking information from the public.

"We implore any member of the public or friends of Tèa who may have any information as to her whereabouts that may assist our investigation, please make ensure that information is provided," he said.

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