NSW homicide squad detectives have begun investigating the possibility missing William Tyrrell may have been abducted, and that his disappearance could be linked to a paedophile ring.

William, 3, went missing from his grandmother’s home on the NSW mid-north coast last September.

His parents spoke publicly for the first time on Friday morning, making a heart-wrenching plea for his safe return.

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Homicide squad commander Mick Willing said police had grave fears for the toddler’s safety and were pursuing reports of a paedophile ring operating in the area where he went missing.

“We have information that we’ve received in relation to a paedophile ring that may be operating,” Supt Willing said.

“That’s all I can say at this point.

“I don’t want to compromise what we’re doing in relation to that but we have specific information about that.”

In an emotional video, William’s mother said her son was yet to reach any of the milestones people took for granted, and appealed for him to be returned safely.

“I want him to be safe, I want him to be feeling loved and I want someone to be looking after him because to imagine that something else is going on – we can’t live a life like that,” she said.

“Just give him back, give him back. Take him to a church, take him to a police station, take him to a school.”

STATEMENTS FROM WILLIAM’S PARENTS

Mother

“If somebody has him and he’s alive … I want him to be safe, I want him to be feeling loved and I want someone to be looking after him … because to imagine that something else is going on … we can’t live a life like that.”

“Just give him back … give him back. Take him to a church, take him to a police station, take him to a school. Give him to someone … give him back.”

“I had a vision in my head … I can’t explain it. That somebody reached over and I sort of feel like they’ve gone `clump’ on his shoulders, picked him up and moved him on … because to me … that’s the only way for me to explain him not to be there.”

“It’s the never-ending nightmare. We wake up, we just relive it. I just can’t believe it has happened.”

“We have to watch his sister learn to play and learn to be an only child: it’s heartbreaking.”

Father

“As I was walking through the bush with other people, it became more aware to me as time went on that this is not a normal event this is not a child gone missing in the bush. This is heading down the path of abduction or something more sinister.”

“He’s a cheeky, vibrant little boy … full of energy.”