Title: Concerns Grow For Missing Taupo Man

Police are hoping that a photo of a man missing in Taupo may lead to more public information about his possible whereabouts.

Concerns are growing for the safety of 35-year-old Leighton Kerry Grant who left Taupo on Friday evening (25 January) and failed to arrive back as planned at 6pm on Saturday.

He was driving his late model white Suzuki Vitara, registration FTN631 which was found yesterday morning (Monday, 28 January) at Hallets Bay, just south of Hatepe.

As well as searching for Mr Grant, Police have made a number of enquiries with his family to understand his background. As a result there is genuine concern for his state of mind.

Area Commander Inspector Steve Bullock said: "It would not be appropriate for me to discuss Mr Grant's mental health in any detail, but the information we have suggests his reaction if approached might be unpredictable. To err on the side of caution we are appealing for any members of the public who see him to report the sightings to Police rather than trying to engage with him directly."

Searching is taking place on land, on the lake and from the air involving Police, LandSar volunteers and Coastguard.

Anyone with any information as to the current whereabouts of Mr Grant, or who may have seen him in or around Hallets Bay is asked to call Taupo Police on 07 378 6060 as soon as possible.

ENDS

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