Police and Search and Rescue are searching the rural area between Puriri and Matatoki for an 18 year old man who went missing yesterday afternoon.
John Balchin was last seen running across farmland near Puriri at about 2pm yesterday afternoon.
Police have considerable concerns for Mr Balchin's safety.
Mr Balchin is Caucasian, of medium build and around 6 feet tall. When last seen he was wearing a white shirt and black pants.
If anybody has any information about Mr Balchin's whereabouts or has seen anything unusual in the area since 2pm yesterday, please get in touch with Thames Police at 07 211 6224.
ENDS
Issued by Senior Sergeant Graham Shields, Thames Police
