SAR operation to locate missing man continues

Canterbury Police urge anyone who has seen or heard from 74 year old Raymond Finnie since Friday 25 September 2015 to contact them straight away.

Sergeant Phil Simmonds says “A local farmer contacted Police on Wednesday (1 October 2015) to report an abandoned vehicle blocking an unsealed road in the Whitecliffs/Glentunnel area. The vehicle was identified as belonging to Raymond who has not been in contact with his family since last Friday (25 September 2015).”

Yesterday a team of 25 Police and LandSAR Volunteers, along with a Police SAR dog and helicopter, searched the surrounding area including thick scrub and a pine plantation. A small team of Police SAR, along with a specialist Police SAR dog, continued the search today.

“Raymond was last seen wearing grey track pants and a dark woollen fishnet jersey. It is not known where he was heading or whether he had any change of clothes with him. Raymond has recently suffered a stroke and Police and his family have serious concerns for his safety” explained Sergeant Simmonds.

“Police will continue to search the area using a number of trained specialists and search dogs over the next few days. Canterbury Police would like to thank the members of the public for their offers to assist in the search for Raymond. However due to the systematic nature of the search and the number of specialist people involved Police do not require any additional assistance at this time.”

If you know where Raymond is or have seen him in the last week please contact Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 363 7400.

ENDS

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