Warkworth Police are again combing the riverbanks and tributaries of the Mahurangi River as the search for a missing 17 year old male farm hand continues.
Police say the young man was last seen on Friday night the 20 July 2007. He left a party he was attending at around 9.00 - 9.30pm, and he has not been seen since.
Police say he left the party on his push bike and was in good spirits at the time. He planned to stay the night with his mother but he never arrived.
About 2.00am on Saturday 21 July 2007, the young man's bike was found by friends on a grass verge below the Mahurangi River Bridge on SH1 in Warkworth. The river runs through the centre of the town.
Sergeant Bede HAUGHEY of Warkworth Police says at this time the search for Luke MASON is being treated as a missing person's enquiry, and there is no valid reason for the young man's disappearance.
"Police are keeping an open mind on any circumstances but we are becoming more concerned for his whereabouts and his safety, and we are therefore appealing to the public for any sightings of this young man."
"We are especially keen to hear from anyone residing or traveling in this area who has seen this young man at any time since 9.00pm, Friday 20 July 2007."
Police have released the name and a description of the missing 17 year old farm employee.
NAME - MASON/ Luke Stewart
Male - Caucasian
Resident of Warkworth
DOB - 25/1/1990 - Aged 17 years
Occupation - Farm Worker
Height - 175cm - [5'10"]
Hair - Brown
Clothing - when last seen he was casually dressed and wearing black jacket, black trousers/pants, dark shoes. He regularly wears his hair tied at the back.
The Police Search and Rescue team is comprised of members from throughout the Auckland Metro Region. Along with the Police National Dive Squad there are about 18 police personnel presently involved in the search.
Anyone with information is requested to call Warkworth Police on telephone 09 425 8109
ENDS:
Kevin [Kev] Loughlin
District Communications Manager / Media Advisor
Waitemata Police District
12-14 Northcroft Street - Takapuna - Auckland
Phone 09 488 9758 - Extn 96308
Mobile 027 281 0271
Email - kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz