Gisborne man found with serious injuries beneath bridge, police search for clues

A man who walks a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway daily has been found with serious “unexplained injuries” beneath a Gisborne bridge.

Police are appealing for information after the man, described as reasonably frail, was found on Moana Rd, under the Okitu Bridge, around 10.30am on Sunday.

The man was taken to Waikato Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

A police spokesperson said a scene examination had been conducted at the bridge.

Initial police inquiries, which remain ongoing, had established that he was a Wainui man who lived a short distance from the bridge.

The spokesperson said the man walked daily, usually mid-morning, from his home on Wairere Rd to the Makarori Head and back.

“He is described as reasonably frail. He has a slight build, is 160cm, and walks with a slight stoop.

“On this occasion, he was wearing a thin blue long sleeve thermal top, black fleecey trackpants and brown/black tramping boots.”

The spokesperson said police would like to hear from anyone who might have seen the walker on Sunday morning or who had any information as to how he might have been injured.

This would include anyone who has CCTV of the Ocean Park end of Wairere Rd and Okitu Bridge area.

Those with information were asked to contact police on 105 online and use the reference file number 231022/2943.