Canterbury police concerned for missing 74-year-old man

Police are urging anyone who has seen or heard from Raymond Finnie since September 25 to get in touch. Photo / Supplied

Canterbury police have serious concerns for 74-year-old man who has been missing for a week.

They are urging anyone who has seen or heard from Raymond Finnie since September 25 to get in touch.

Sergeant Phil Simmonds said a local farmer contacted police on Wednesday to report an abandoned vehicle blocking an unsealed road in the Whitecliffs/Glentunnel area.

The vehicle was identified as belonging to Mr Finnie, who had not been in contact with his family since last Friday.

Yesterday, a team of 25 police and land search and rescue (SAR) volunteers, along with a police SAR dog and helicopter, searched the surrounding area including thick scrub and a pine plantation.

A small police SAR team, along with a specialist police SAR dog, continued the search today, said Mr Simmonds.

Mr Finnie was last seen wearing grey track pants and a dark woollen fishnet jersey.

"It is not known where he was heading or whether he had any change of clothes with him. Raymond has recently suffered a stroke and police and his family have serious concerns for his safety," said Mr Simmonds.

Police would continue to search the area using a number of trained specialists and search dogs over the next few days.

"Canterbury police would like to thank the members of the public for their offers to assist in the search for Raymond," Mr Simmonds. said.

"However due to the systematic nature of the search and the number of specialist people involved police do not require any additional assistance at this time."

If anyone knows where Mr Finnie was or has seen him in the last week, they should contact Christchurch police on 03 363 7400.