Update; search for missing elderly man in Hamilton continues

Tuesday, 18 March 2014 - 3:36pm

National News

As the numbers of searchers looking for an elderly dementia sufferer missing in Hamilton since Sunday night grows, Waikato Police say the public can play a crucial part in helping to find him.

Search Controller, Constable Ross Moratti of the Waikato Search and Rescue Squad said a team of 40 Police and Land Search and Rescue volunteers had searched the grounds of Waikato Hospital today in conjunction with hospital security staff.

"At the same time a large team of detectives have been interviewing people who have reported possible sightings of 70-year-old Kawhia man Trevor SMITH and reviewed hospital CCTV footage.

"Mr SMITH was last seen by relatives on the ramp near the public entrance to Waikato Hospital about 5pm on Sunday night and both they and Police are very concerned for his safety."

Mr Moratti said a significant contributor to the concerns held for Mr SMITH is that he suffers from mild dementia and diabetes which could add to his sense of disorientation.

"At this point Police would like to acknowledge the large number of family members and friends of Mr SMITH who came over from Kawhia today to assist in the search in the vicinity of Hamilton Lake and who have assisted our investigators in providing vital background information."

"While these searches continue the public can play their part by keeping an eye out for Mr SMITH and reporting any sightings. When last seen Mr SMITH was wearing a distinctive lime green Vodafone Warriors rugby league jersey, dark blue track-pants, plain white sandshoes and a grey cap."

In addition to appeals for sightings via the media, postings have been made by family members and Police on Facebook pages and this afternoon teams would be distributing flyers with Mr SMITH'S photograph and a picture of his distinctive green Warriors jersey.

"Anyone who believes they have seen, spoken to or interacted with Mr SMITH in anyway is asked to contact the Police on 111.

End

© Scoop Media