Matthew Leveson: Search for body south of Sydney called off after eight days.

The search for the body of missing man Matthew Leveson in bushland south of Sydney has ended with no breakthrough.

Police have been searching the Royal National Park for eight days, after Mr Leveson’s boyfriend Michael Atkins led them to the location.

Mr Leveson’s parents Mark and Faye Leveson said while the outcome was disappointing, they were more determined than ever to find their son.

Police said the investigation into Mr Leveson’s disappearance will continue and the coronial inquest will resume in March.

Mr Leveson, 20, was last seen outside Sydney nightclub ARQ with Michael Atkins in September 2007.

Mr Atkins was tried and acquitted of Matthew Leveson’s murder in 2009 after a trial during which he exercised his right to silence.

In October, he was compelled to give evidence at an inquest.

During questioning, he admitted lying to police when his boyfriend disappeared in September 2007.

He also admitted lying under oath at the inquest.

He then struck a deal with police giving him immunity from prosecution for perjury and contempt of court in return for information leading to the recovery of Mr Leveson’s body.

However this immunity was dependent on police finding Mr Leveson’s remains.

‘I promise Matty, we’ll bring you home’

Speaking to media at the search site, Mrs Leveson said she had printed out a new tribute to her son every day of the search in the hope they would find him.

“I said, ‘Matt, our beautiful son and brother we made a promise to you nine years, one month and 24 days ago to find you and bring you home — today we get to bring you home to where you belong’,” Mrs Leveson read.

“‘Heartfelt thanks to all that have helped to make this possible.’

“But I can’t really say that now, can I? Because we didn’t find him and we haven’t fulfilled our promise to him yet.

“But I promise you, Matty, we will bring you home.”

Mr Leveson echoed his wife’s thanks to all who helped in the search.

“Although [there’s] no results here … this does it only strengthens our resolve,” he said.

“So we now are even more determined to find Matt, so Atkins look over your shoulder.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin said police would continue their efforts to locate Mr Leveson.

“I can’t talk (about) details of the investigation, it is the subject of a current coronial inquiry,” he said.

“I’d just like to pay tribute Matt’s family and the way that they’ve conducted themselves for the past seven days in very trying circumstances.

“It’s been difficult for them and it’s been a privilege to work with them on this investigation.”

This post originally appeared on ABC News.