Police continue search for missing Warkworth teen

Warkworth police today continued to comb the riverbanks and tributaries of the Mahurangi River for a missing 17-year-old farm hand.

Luke Mason was last seen on Friday night about 9pm when he left a party, police said.

Mr Mason left the party on his bike and was in good spirits at the time.

He planned to stay the night with his mother but did not arrive.

About 2am on Saturday friends found Mr Mason's bike on a grassy bank next to the Mahurangi River Bridge on State Highway 1.

Sergeant Bede Haughey of Warkworth Police said the search was being treated as a missing person's inquiry.

Mr Haughey said there was no valid reason for Mr Mason's disappearance.

"Police are keeping an open mind on any circumstances but we are becoming more concerned for his whereabouts and his safety and we are therefore appealing to the public for any sightings of this young man."

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw Mr Mason after 9pm on Friday.

He is described as caucasian, 175cm tall with brown hair which he regularly wears tied at the back.

Anyone with information is asked to call Warkworth police.

- NZPA