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Missing British backpacker Jamie Neale was spotted two days after he went missing, police have confirmed.

The 19-year-old Londoner was at first thought to have last been seen leaving his Katoomba hostel, in the Blue Mountains, on Thursday, July 2.

However New South Wales investigators today said in a statement: “Yesterday (Sunday), police received new information that Jamie was last sighted about midday on Saturday, July 4.”

“He was seen on top of Ruined Castle in good spirits and good health. Jamie then intended on walking east, towards Mt Solitary.”

Police had already known that Jamie, described as an “experienced hiker” by his family, had intended to do the popular Ruined Castle bushwalk, but had been concerned that he failed to turn up for a Jenolan Caves tour on the Saturday, which he had already booked and paid for. He had left his mobile phone in his hostel room. He had only arrived in Australia on June 22 for a holiday.

Jamie’s father Richard Cass and an uncle have flown from north London to join in the land and air search. Confident his son is still alive, Australian-born Richard told reporters: “He’s very tolerant of cold and if anyone can survive this, he will. He’ll be Okay.”

However, with it being nine days since Jamie was last seen, carrying just a small day pack, the possibility of a positive outcome is looking increasingly unlikely.

Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford said: “Police have not lost hope of finding this young man alive but as every day passes it does become less likely that we will do so.

“The search will continue over the next few days but we do hold grave concerns for his welfare.

“The fact police have no leads on Jamie’s intended route has frustrated the search effort. It really is like searching for a needle in a haystack.”

Jamie, from Muswell Hill, is described as white, having a pale complexion, with short dark hair, a beard and brown eyes.

He is believed to have been wearing a light blue shirt, blue jeans, light coloured joggers, and a dark jacket tied around his waist. He was carrying a burgundy day pack.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

UPDATE: Jamie Neale found alive