LANSDOWNE STATION — RCMP say they are running forensic analysis on items, including a pink blanket, found during their search for two children who went missing in northeastern Nova Scotia.
Six-year-old Lilly Sullivan and four-year-old Jack Sullivan disappeared on May 2 from their home in Lansdowne Station.
Police issued a news release Wednesday updating their investigation, saying their efforts to find the children include a forensic examination of materials found during the search.
Forensic examinations can include DNA and fibre analyses, but the RCMP didn't give details.
Cpl. Carlie McCann said during a video conference with reporters later in the day that the family confirmed the blanket "belonged to Lilly."
She also said it was found outside and near to the children's home on the first day of the search.
"Police are investigating if and how it (the blanket) relates to Jack and Lilly's disappearance," she said.
As to the result of the forensics work, the corporal said they were ongoing and could take "an extensive period of time" to be completed.
Asked by a reporter what the police currently believe happened to the children, McCann said "At this point police are investigating every aspect of this."
"We're receiving a number of tips from the public and we're following up on all those tips," she said. "I can't get into a lot of speculation of course."
Reporters also asked about how police were informing family members about the progress of their investigation.
The corporal said there is currently one designated major crimes officer who communicates with one family member who represents "designated relatives of Lilly and Jack."
The release noted the RCMP are viewing about 5,000 video files the public had provided.
In late May, police reached out to local residents to ask if they had any relevant video from trail cameras, store camera and surveillance cameras.
A news release from the RCMP also said that investigators from other provinces in Canada have become involved in the probe.
The release quoted Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon, a lead investigator in the case, saying, "Our collective efforts will continue every day until we determine with certainty the circumstances surrounding Lilly and Jack's disappearance."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025.
Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press
