Missing Waihi man Grant Ridley sparks official search

Searchers are scouring Waihi area for missing resident Grant Ridley, 46. Photo/Supplied

Eight search and rescue teams are scouring the Waihi area for a missing 46-year-old resident.

Grant Ridley, of Waihi, had not been seen for three days and police said they were concerned because it was out of character. His car was still parked at his house, a police spokesman said.

Mr Ridley is 170cm tall and has brown hair styled into a mullet

A police communication spokeswoman said eight search and rescue teams were searching Waihi for Mr Ridley and a specialist dog search team was also on the way. An aeroplane had also been involved the search today, she said.

The searchers would continue scouring the area until it was dark and resume the search again in the morning, the spokeswoman said.

No other information about the search or the missing man was available at this time, she said,

Mr Ridley's mother told the Bay of Plenty Times last night that she was too upset to talk and did not want to make any comment about the search at this time

Anyone who had seen Mr Ridley or had any other information is urged to call Waihi police on (07) 863 8179.