Good response in search for Kapiti man

Police say there has been a good response to calls for public help in the search for missing Kapiti Coast man Raymond Piper.

Mr Piper has not been seen since May 15 when he disappeared from the home of his former partner in Eatwell Avenue, Paraparaumu.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam, officer in charge of the investigation, said earlier this week police had unsubstantiated information that Mr Piper, 23, had been the victim of foul play.

Police are now following up several pieces of information received from the public.

Mr Oxnam said a number of calls had been made to the 0800 FIND RAY freephone number which was set up earlier this week, as well as emails to Findray@police.govt.nz.

"There has been a good response from the public in recent days and police are now wading through all of the information to determine whether or not it is of use to the inquiry," he said.

Posters of the missing man are on display throughout Kapiti and yesterday police published a full page advertisement in the Kapiti Observer community newspaper in the hope that may turn up more clues.

Police have urged Kapiti Coast residents to check bush areas and scrub near their homes for Mr Piper.

A search of the Eatwell Avenue area on Tuesday failed to find any clues.

"We have now eliminated this area from our search but we are urging Kapiti residents to check bush areas and scrub near their homes, for any signs that could lead us to Raymond," Mr Oxnam said.

"We are considering all possibilities into Raymond's disappearance. He may have become lost, he may be a victim of foul play or he may not wish to be found."

He urged anyone with information to contact police immediately.

- NZPA