"Search for Raymond Stirling continues today in Hamilton"

Please attribute to Constable Sean Keeley, Waikato Search and Rescue:

Police and LandSAR are continuing their search for 84-year-old Raymond Stirling today, who was last seen on 15 January.

Police and Mr Stirling’s family are extremely concerned for his welfare, as Mr Stirling is frail and suffers from mild dementia.

Over the last four days Police have extensively searched the Flagstaff area, however will today be expanding the search to surrounding suburbs.

Approximately forty LandSAR volunteers, including groups from Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua, have resumed searching just before 8am today.

The Hamilton Police boat will also be deployed along the Waikato River to assist in the search.

Mr Stirling has previously hitchhiked and we know it’s possible he may have hitchhiked somewhere, including outside of Hamilton.

We ask that anyone who may have seen Mr Stirling or perhaps given him a ride somewhere contact police as soon as possible on 111.

We urge people in Hamilton to again check their backyards, sheds and other outbuildings in case Mr Stirling has taken shelter there.

We are working hard to locate Raymond and even the smallest piece of information could help, so please don't hesitate to contact us.

ENDS

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