Police fear for missing Katikati man

: Mr John Geldard has been found safe and sound by family members, Bay of Plenty police have said.

Earlier: Bay of Plenty police are looking for a missing Katikati man, with fears for his safety.

The police issued a plea for help via their Facebook page, stating 49-year-old John Geldard had been missing from the township since Sunday ''and we have growing concerns for his welfare''.

''John has a mental disability and no means of support. He is considered very vulnerable and is easily disorientated when away from home,'' the police stated.

There had been possible sightings of Mr Geldard walking along SH2 between Omokoroa and Whakamarama late on Sunday afternoon in the direction of Tauranga.

Mr Geldard has a medium build with thinning brown hair and a moustache and is 168cm tall. It was not known what he was wearing when he disappeared, but he tends to wear more clothing than required and may be wearing a cap, the police stated.

If anyone has sighted Mr Geldard or knows of his whereabouts please contact the Katikati police on 07 549 0004 or your nearest police station.