Search continues

Police are searching properties in the Avondale area this after noon looking for missing man, Peter OCEAN also known as Peter KAIMOANA , who is 71 years old and suffering from Alzheimers disease. Sergeant Ryan O'Rourke says the searchers are keen to narrow down where Mr Ocean might be and would like anyone who has seen this elderly man to contact them. "He may have caught a bus or been given a lift out of the area," he says. "The Land Search and Rescue police and volunteers are searching Avondale but it is a wide area." Police are requesting people living in Avondale in the vicinity of Ardrossan Street, Avondale Road, (where Mr Ocean's home is), and Breezes Roads to check their properties and sections in case Mr Ocean is sheltering in their yards. "Check please as he may have become disorientated or trapped in an unfamiliar place." LSAR volunteers will be easily recognised in their fluorescence vests or police in uniform. They will knock at doors to see if anyone is home before they search, to advise them what they are doing. Temperatures last night were cold and Mr Ocean might be distressed. The searchers are based today at the Scout Hall, Avonside Drive opposite Porritt Park. Mr Ocean was last seen just after midday yesterday buying a newspaper at the Wainoni Road Dairy. He is a Maori man of thin build and about 5ft 10 tall, last seen wearing blue jeans, a green checkered top, sports shoes and a blue cap.