Door-to-door search to start today for missing man

Nigel Peterson. Photo/supplied

Police search and rescue teams will this morning start a door-to-door search in Rotorua for missing man Nigel Peterson.

The autistic man, who was in 24-hour care, ran from his carer's car on Otonga Rd on Friday at 3pm.

Peterson's family, police and volunteers have been searching for him.

Constable Colin Fraser told the Rotorua Daily Post this morning Land Search and Rescue squads from Rotorua and Tauranga were today concentrating on theOtonga Rd and Old Taupo Rd areas.

He said the teams would ask people to look around their properties for the missing man.

He said until now the search teams had focused on open spaces, including parks, reserves, schools, retirement homes and hospitals.

He said given Peterson's medical condition, it was possible he was at someone's property and they didn't know he was there.

"He could have easily wandered into the backyards and be in a garage. He could be sitting on a chair at the back of a garage waiting to be found because he wouldn't necessarily be able to seek his own help."

Rotorua police asked anyone who may have seen Peterson to contact them on (07) 349 9139.