Large-scale search for missing Christchurch man underway

Photo / File

A large-scale search is underway in Christchurch this morning for a man missing for the past two weeks.

Hayden Cossey has not been seen since December 5.

Detective Sergeant Al Lester said a large contingent would begin scouring the Linwood area this morning.

The search team consisted of specialist police search and rescue team members and volunteers who were police-trained and voluntarily assisted police with searches.

Mr Lester said police were keeping an open mind about what may have happened to Mr Cossey, who was last seen at Eastgate Mall around 1pm on December 5. Mr Cossey had left work that morning, around half an hour after arriving at 7.15am.

His family reported him missing two days later.

Since then, Canterbury police have interviewed his family, his two flat mates and witnesses who reported possible sightings of Mr Cossey in an effort to narrow down a potential search area.

Later this morning, a helicopter with Canterbury police SAR staff on board was expected to fly over open areas of land and near watercourses in the search area.

If Mr Cossey was not located, the search area would be extended to include the Bromley and New Brighton areas in Christchurch.

Mr Cossey was described as European, 187cm (6'1") tall, of a medium build with short brown hair.