Canterbury Police would like to thank the Police SAR, LandSAR volunteers and specialist Police and LandSAR search dogs who assisted with the search this weekend for 74 year old Raymond Neil Finnie, who is commonly known as Neil.
Canterbury Police SAR Coordinator, Sergeant Phil Simmonds, says “We have now completed an extensive land and aerial search of bush, scrub and tussock covering a 3-4km radius from where his vehicle was located in the Whitecliffs area last Wednesday (1 October 2015). The challenging terrain extends from heights of 300m up to 900m and unfortunately he has not been located despite in excess of 1100 man hours spent searching the area for him over the last four days.”
“We are currently reviewing the search area, data from searchers and information provided by the public as a result of our Facebook and media appeals. Fliers have been put in mailboxes in surrounding properties but due to the school holidays not all home owners have been spoken to. We urge anyone living, or who owns land, in the Whitecliffs area to check their outbuildings and properties for any sign that he may have travelled through the area.”
“Neil was last seen driving his silver 2013 Suzuki Swift and wearing dark coloured track pants and a dark woollen jersey on Friday 25 September 2015. However it is not known whether he had any additional items or changes of clothes with him. Neil has recently suffered a stroke and may have appeared disorientated. Police and his family have serious concerns for his safety” explained Sergeant Simmonds.
If you know where Neil is or have seen him in the last week please contact Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 363 7400.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District.
