Wednesday, 1 August 2007 - 5:50pm |
Wellington

Growing concerns for missing 78-year-old Stokes Valley man

1 min read

About 20 police and volunteer search and rescue staff have searched throughout today for missing 78-year-old Stokes Valley man, Graeme McNaughton.

Search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Jo Holden says it is unlikely searching will continue for long now that night has fallen, but it will resume again tomorrow.

"We are very concerned about him. He is an elderly man who may be spending a second night out in the open. A significant amount of rain fell last night, which adds to our concern for his wellbeing and made searching last night difficult."

Mr McNaughton didn't return after he left his home at about 4pm yesterday saying he was going for a walk. He walks on most days on Stokes Valley Road and neighbouring streets and often walks up to the Buddhist Monastery off Rakau Grove.

He is described as Caucasian, approximately 5'8" tall and of slim build. He has silver hair and was possibly wearing glasses. He is thought to have been wearing dark clothing, casual shoes and possibly a dark jacket with a stripe down the side.

"We would like people in the Stokes Valley area to look around their property in case Mr McNaughton has become disorientated and perhaps attempted to find a short-cut home.

"We would also like anyone who may have seen someone matching his description out last night to call us," says Sergeant Holden.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Jo Holden on Tel: (04) 381 2000.

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