BREAKING NEWS: William Tyrrell could still be ALIVE police say

Missing boy William Tyrrell can't be confirmed dead based on current evidence - and police say they are still following 'active leads' to find the missing boy, a court has heard.

A hearing was held at Glebe Coroners Court in Sydney, ahead of an inquest into William’s disappearance and suspected death, according to Nine News.

William vanished in September 2014 while playing in his grandmother’s home and backyard. He was just three years old at the time. On the fourth anniversary of his disappearance, police confirmed there was a new development in the case.

Counsel assisting the coroner, Gerard Craddock SC, told Wednesday's hearing it wasn't possible at present to conclude William was dead.

“The police investigation into his disappearance is ongoing and police are following active leads at present,” Mr Craddock said.

He said William was in foster care and it was that, combined with his disappearance and the circumstances of his disappearance, that meant there was jurisdiction to hold an inquest.

William’s foster parents were attendance at the hearing.

Earlier this week, William’s biological father, Brendan Collins, faced court over an intimidation charge and an apprehended violence order (AVO) taken out by his own family.