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A hat that could belong to missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez is being forensically examined after it was found in Byron Bay bushland.
The hat was handed to police after it was found by a member of the public in the same area where the last "ping" from Theo's phone was recorded on June 1 around the Cape Byron Lighthouse, AAP understands.
It is being forensically examined to determine if it is relevant to the investigation into the 18-year-old traveller's disappearance, a NSW Police spokeswoman told AAP on Friday.
Theo was last seen on CCTV walking through the popular seaside NSW town after leaving the Cheeky Monkey's bar about 11pm on May 31.
His belongings, including his passport, were left untouched at the Wake Up hostel in Byron Bay.
Police spent nearly a month searching for Theo, but failed to find him.
His parents also travelled from Belgium to join the search.
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