WATCH ABOVE: There have been numerous developments in the search for 5-year-old Nathan O’Brien and his grandparents. But police say they can now confirm there was a violent incident inside the grandparents’ home. Francis Silvaggio and Nancy Hixt report.
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CALGARY- Five days into an exhaustive investigation into the disappearance of a boy and his grandparents, Calgary Police have confirmed that a violent incident occurred.
Five-year-old Nathan O’Brien, 66-year-old Alvin Cecil Liknes and 53-year-old Kathryn Fay Liknes have not been seen since Sunday night, when Nathan’s mother dropped him off at the Liknes’ Parkhill home for a sleepover. An Amber Alert has since been issued, but so far there is no sign of the trio.
READ MORE: Parents of missing 5-year-old plead for safe return of son, grandparents
On Friday, police said they concluded a thorough forensic examination of the home where the family was last seen.
“Based on what we’ve seen at the scene, we believe there was a violent incident at the residence,” said S/Sgt. Doug Andrus.
“Based on the evidence at the scene, somebody would be in medical distress.”
He adds that they are now working to determine who was victimized.
“We have sent evidence up to the forensic crime lab, and we’re anxiously awaiting the results of that examination.”
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WATCH: S/Sgt Doug Andrus provides an update on the Amber Alert investigation
Normally it takes several months for analysis, but officers have expedited the examination and hope to have the results within several days or a week. Despite the grisly evidence found at the scene, police remain optimistic.
“It’s still a missing persons investigation. We’re hopeful we’ll find these family members alive.”
Investigators have turned their attention to a green truck that was seen “several times” in the area the night of the family’s disappearance.
“It was spotted during the course of the evening and during the course of when we believe the incident occurred,” Andrus explained. “There’s a good possibility that the individual or individuals in that vehicle may have information.”
The truck is described as a late 80s or early 90s, Ford 150, which appears to be kept in very good condition. Anyone who has information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
Police also continue to follow up on hundreds of tips, and spoke with about 75 people who were at an estate sale at the Liknes’ home on Sunday. Anyone who was at the sale who has still not spoken with investigators is asked to call 403-266-1234.
An Amber Alert also remains in effect, as investigators continue to follow up on hundreds of tips provided over the last few days.
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