Police have launched a homicide investigation after finding evidence of violence and property belonging to a missing man in a search of two Hastings houses.
Johnny Charles Wright, 50, has not been seen since early June and his lack of contact with family and friends has been described as "out
of character".
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave de Lange said the investigation into his disappearance was upgraded to a homicide after officers searched two houses in the suburb of Mayfair where he had lived.
An examination showed "some form of violence" may have happened there, he said. Property belonging to Mr Wright was also found.
"These factors certainly indicate Mr Wright hasn't moved on to another address or town and are of real concern. We are treating this investigation as a homicide as there is simply no other explanation for his disappearance"
