Missing man's car found concealed in remote bush

Peter John Crowther was last seen on Friday.

A car belonging to a missing Canterbury man has been discovered concealed in remote bush.

Peter John Crowther, 55, from Christchurch, has been missing since Friday June 14.

His car was discovered by a member of the public in Arthur's Pass National Park yesterday afternoon. The green 1996 Mitsubishi Galant was found near Mount White Bridge, close to the Hawdon Shelter. Police were informed this morning.

A search team, including three police dogs and handlers, six police search and rescue unit members and 15 volunteers, have now been deployed to comb the area.

Constable Gavin Jeffs of Christchurch CIB said Mr Crowther's vehicle appeared to have been at the site for some time. Nothing of significance has been located inside the car.

"The vehicle is in a remote location, and was concealed in an area of bush,'' he said.

"Although we have now located the vehicle, we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the car in this area, or on roads into the area, or who can help us to establish its movements.''

Mr Crowther was last seen at around 4pm on June 14 at his workplace in Addington.

He has not been in contact with family since that time, and no sightings have been reported.

Mr Crowther was previously described by police as a solidly built Caucasian man, about 1.6m tall, with short grey hair, brown eyes and a distinctively large nose.

Anyone with information about the vehicle's movements is asked to contact Christchurch Police on (03) 363 7400.