Tasmanian Police have taken a man into custody in relation to the disappearance of Shyanne-Lee Tatnell.
The arrest was made just one day after remains were found on a bush track near Nabowla in a search for Ms Tatnell.
The remains are believed to be the missing 14-year-old; however, they are undergoing forensic testing for further confirmation that is expected to be completed in a week.
A 36-year-old Scottsdale man was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon in Launceston.
No charges have been laid and investigations are still ongoing.
Shyanne-Lee was last seen in Launceston about 8.30pm on April 30.
Northern District Commander Kate Chambers said Tasmania Police continued to work closely with the young girl’s family and her thoughts were with them.
“As I have said previously, we will not rest until we have answers. This latest development is hopefully another step toward having those answers,” Commander Chambers said.
“Our investigators, and all those involved in this process so far, have worked tirelessly to try and find closure for Shyanne-Lee’s family and her loved ones, and we will continue those efforts until we are satisfied we have provided that closure.
“Once again I’d like to thank everyone that has been involved in this long and complex inquiry, as well as the Tasmanian community for its understanding and support throughout this major investigation.”
Commander Chambers confirmed that police were “following a specific line of inquiry” and crime scenes had been declared at properties in Scottsdale and Nabowla.
The connection between the two locations has not been confirmed but officers declared that the investigation now likely had a “criminal element”.
The search operation for Shyanne-Lee’s body is believed to be Northern Tasmania’s largest police operation, with NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police, SES and volunteers assisting on Wednesday.
When asked why those resources were not brought in previously, Detective Inspector Andrew Hanson said the investigation had turned to one that was exploring a “criminal element”.
“There was always the potential for some sort of criminal element to be involved,” he said on Wednesday afternoon.
“We are out there this week to explore the information and validate it.
“Our investigative team has spent considerable time scouring CCTV, interviewing witnesses and meticulously following up every lead.
“Our search efforts this week are a result of our commitment to locate Shyanne-Lee. We are doing everything in our power to make that happen.”
On Tuesday, the teenager‘s mother took to social media to hit back against social media trolls targeting her.
In a Facebook post, she blasts people for being “so cruel and quick” to judge “innocent human beings”.
“You aren’t caring enough! You’re giving up!” Ms Ketchell’s post reads.
“You can’t afford things like a billboard or posters for my daughter who is missing, you know what stuff you all judgmental beings!
“Live one day in my shoes then happily judge until then shut your mouth, you have something to say about me and my situation say to my face!”