Concerns grow for missing man

Concerns are growing for a man missing in Taupo.

Police are hoping that releasing a photo of missing man, Leighton Kerry Grant, may lead to more public information about his possible whereabouts.

The 35-year-old left Taupo on Friday evening and failed to arrive back as planned at 6pm on Saturday.
He was driving his late model white Suzuki Vitara, with the registration FTN631, which was found on Monday morning at Hallets Bay, just south of Hatepe.

As well as searching for Mr Grant, Police have made a number of enquiries with his family to understand his background. As a result there is genuine concern for his state of mind.

Taupo police area commander Inspector Steve Bullock said it would not be appropriate to discuss Mr Grant's mental health in detail, but information given to police suggested his reaction could be unpredictable if approached by members of the public.

"To err on the side of caution we are appealing for any members of the public who see him to report the sightings to police rather than trying to engage with him directly."

Searching is taking place on land, on the lake and from the air involving police, LandSar volunteers and Coastguard.

Anyone with any information as to the current whereabouts of Mr Grant, or who may have seen him in or around Hallets Bay should call Taupo Police on (07) 378 6060.