Police suspend search for Taranaki driver Karl Roberts missing since Uruti Rd crash

Karl Roberts, 31, has been missing since Tuesday. Photo / NZ Police

Police have today suspended search efforts for a man whose vehicle was found crashed down a bank in New Plymouth this week.

Karl Roberts, 31, has not been seen or heard from since Tuesday.

His vehicle was found down a bank on Uruti Rd about 3.30pm. Police say they believe Roberts lost control of the car, a green Subaru Impreza, before it slid off the road and down the bank; stopping close to a stream.

"Following extensive searches on both Wednesday and today, police have suspended the physical search for Mr Roberts,'' a police statement said.

"However, inquiries will continue to establish his whereabouts.''

Volunteers for the Taranaki Land Search and Rescue, Taranaki Rescue Helicopter and members of the rural community, as well as Roberts' own family, have helped in the search for him over the past few days.

Anyone who may have seen him is asked to get in touch with police immediately.

He is described as being about 175cm tall and is of thin build.

Roberts was last seen wearing a black beanie, a knee-length dark green Gore-Tex shirt and running shoes.

Can you help? Call New Plymouth Police: (06) 759 5500