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Police searching for a teenager missing north of Auckland for eight days believe there is now only a slim chance he is still alive.
Luke Mason, 17, a farmhand from Warkworth, was last seen on July 20 after drinking heavily at a party in town.
His push bike was found beside the Mahurangi River and on Thursday his shoes were found, renewing hope he had wandered off and was alive.
However, today police said his bank accounts had not been touched and with every day that went by hope fade.
Sergeant Bede Haughey from the Warkworth police said there had been a very wide search with no sign other than the shoes and two possible sightings the night he was last seen.
He said a police caravan set up where the sightings were reported had produced no clues after police hoped it may jog some memories a week after he was seen.
Today friends and family were searching road verges and tomorrow 40 search and rescue volunteer would search the area again.
"It is eight days now. There has been no contact. He hasn't accessed his bank accounts. The chances are very slim," Mr Haughey said.
- NZPA
