Fears for missing runners

Lake Rotoma, in the area where the three set out to go running. Photo / Stephen Russell.

Three runners - including a teenage girl - went missing near the Rotorua lakes district yesterday and had still not been found late last night.

The girl and two men aged 26 set out for a run in an area between Kawerau and Lake Rotoma around 10am.

Relatives raised the alarm when they failed to return.

Two police search and rescue teams, as well as volunteers, searched late into the night. Extra search and rescue members are expected to join the effort this morning.

Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly, the Eastern Bay of Plenty S&R co-ordinator, said there were concerns for the runners, particularly as the forecast was for chilly temperatures.

"The trio were lightly clad for running, so obviously they are not prepared to be spending a night in the bush. Weather conditions are calm at the moment and forecast to stay that way overnight. However, it will become quite cool, so that is a concern."

Police last night could not say how the runners knew one another.

Anyone who may have seen the group yesterday or has any information on them is asked to phone Rotorua police on (07) 348-0099.