Shirley Warrington spends third night in freezing temperatures

Police say they are 'massively concerned' for an elderly woman who has now spent three cold nights missing in Christchurch. Photo / George Heard

Police say they are "massively concerned" for an elderly woman who has now spent three cold nights missing in Christchurch.

Shirley Warrington, 85, was last seen on Main South Rd, Rolleston, at 7.30pm on Saturday.

Detective Sergeant Damon Wells told John MacDonald on NewstalkZB they think the best chance they have of finding her alive and well is with public support and search and rescue teams.

"Best case scenario is she's tucked up warm inside a shed somewhere," he said.

Wells said Warrington and her husband were stopped by police as part of a routine traffic operation at BP Rolleston on Saturday night.

"They have then travelled, we believe, to Ferrymead, possibly Ferrymead Historic Park.

"He's sat in the car, her husband, while she's gone on a bit of a walk and essentially hasn't returned."

Search and rescue teams are looking for Shirley Warrington in the Ferrymead area. Photo / George Heard

He said they are widening the search for Warrington today, looking at the area on and around Ferry Rd, the Bridal Path track and Tunnel Rd.

"There is a lot of farm land, horse paddocks and houses in that area as well. We have 20 LandSAR in that area today and dogs and Fire and Emergency are assisting with a drone search."

Warrington's husband is not very well at the moment, Wells said.

"It's been quite traumatic for him. His recollection has helped us locate an area she could be. He's really concerned about her as are her family as well."

CCTV footage shows the couple's car entering the Ferrymead area with two people in it at about 8.30pm on Saturday.

At 10.20pm, the car has left via the Bridle Path track and Ferry Rd and 10 minutes later an image was captured of the car with just one person in it,

"We believe he's been driving around trying to find her and had no luck. Somewhere in that two hour time frame their vehicle was in the Ferrymead area."

Wells said the situation has been amplified by the cold weather.

"We're massively concerned. It's been three really, really cold nights and she is certainly not dressed for the weather."

Temperatures reached -1.6C in Christchurch last night and -4.5C on Sunday night.

Members of the public are being asked to check outbuildings and any walking tracks, especially in and around the Ferrymead, Bridle Path and Tunnel Rd area

There are concerns for Warrington's welfare as she has health issues.

She may be disorientated and confused and is not dressed for the cold weather, a spokesperson said.

She is believed to be wearing the same black dress she is wearing in the picture.

If you have any information which could help locate Warrington, call 111 and quote event number P047149632.