Claim missing woman Carissa Avison bought gun before disappearing

The disappearance of Carissa Avison remains a mystery, as police consider suspending the search for her. Photo / Facebook

A young Auckland woman who vanished after leaving her home a week ago reportedly bought a gun in the hours before she disappeared.

Police suspended the search for Carissa Avison this morning.

It's been reported the 21-year-old was last seen at a Hunting and Fishing store in Holder Place, Rosedale, on the North Shore, about 10am last Thursday.

Fairfax reports Avison, who holds a firearm licence, bought a gun at the store.

Police have refused to confirm the purchase.

Avison then got a ride from the shop to Coast Rd in Muriwai, arriving about 11am.

Since then police have focused efforts to find Avison in Woodhill Forest. They officially suspended the search Friday morning.

"After carefully reviewing all information over the last week and completing a series of detail searches in areas where we believe Carissa may have been, police have made the decision to suspend the search," Detective Senior Sergeant Iain Chapman said this morning.

"Should any further information come to light, this will be carefully reviewed and the search may be resumed.

"We know that Woodhill Forest is a very busy recreational area and we continue to ask members of the public who may be in the area over the long weekend to get in touch with us if they see anything that may be relevant to the investigation"

Anyone with information can contact Detective Senior Sergeant Iain Chapman at Auckland Police on 09 302 6400 or report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have remained tight-lipped over Avison's disappearance, and would not discuss what purchases she may have made at the hunting store, if she knew the driver of the car that took her to Muriwai, or why the disappearance was not considered suspicious.

Avison was last seen wearing black Nike sports shoes with white soles, black three-quarter-length leggings and a white t-shirt.

She may also have been wearing a turquoise snowboard jacket and was carrying a dark blue Country Road canvas duffel bag.

"We know that Woodhill Forest is a very busy recreational area and we continue to ask members of the public who may be in the area over the long weekend to get in touch with us if they see anything that may be relevant to the investigation," Chapman said.