Hamilton Police out searching for a missing teenager overnight returned to base shortly before first light this morning and say they hold concerns for the safety of the girl who suffers from a mental disability.
Constable Andrew Osborn of the Waikato Search and Rescue Squad said Police officers and Land SAR volunteers searched parks and reserves and likely routes of travel 17-year-old Megan Jenkins may have taken from Fraser High School to her home on Aileen Pl.
"The last confirmed sighting we have of Megan was at the school at midday, she is reported to have attended all her classes and normally walks home past Nawton Mall.
"Police were informed she was missing shortly before 5pm and we had an unconfirmed sighting of her at the school at 3pm and another possible sighting on Crawshaw Dr about 4.30pm which we sent a patrol car to investigate when we became aware of the situation but Megan was not found."
Described as a female Caucasian of slim build and about 168cm tall, Mr Osborn said Megan has the mental age of an 8-9-year-old and because of her vulnerability and of conditions overnight, Police and her family hold concerns for her safety.
"Megan was last seen wearing the white shirt, black shorts, jacket and black sandals of her Fraser High School uniform and was carrying a black bag. She has distinctive reddish shoulder length hair which she brushes to the right and her disappearance is described by family as being out of character.
"Police are working closely with the school, friends and family to locate Megan and the school was unlocked overnight to allow a search to be carried out and a further search will be done this morning."
Additional information to ascertain Megan's movements and actual sightings after midday will be conducted via the school today while Police work to identify friends and lines of enquiry.
Enquiries with hospitals, medical centres and taxis have already been conducted and will be carried out again while officers check for any updates on Megan's social networking pages and conduct another search of the nearby Horseshoe Lake.
Anyone who believes they may have seen Megan or who has information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Hamilton Police Enquiries Office on 07 858 6200.
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