Missing Greymouth man's van found

Police are concerned for the safety of deaf Greymouth man Peter Bell, missing for nearly three weeks, after his van was found abandoned near Arthur's Pass on Sunday and a search and rescue team failed to find him.

Police started the search and rescue operation on Sunday night after they discovered Mr Bell's van obscured behind some bushes at Klondyke Corner on Sunday, search and rescue coordinator Senior Sergeant Ryan O'Rourke said.

Mr O'Rourke said 35 police and volunteers were involved in the search which was focused on the area near the van as well as nearby trampers' huts.

It appeared the van had been there a couple of days and police were appealing for people who had seen either Mr Bell, 54, or his van to come forward, he said.

"We'd also like to her from anyone tramping in the area who may have seen him," he said.

Mr Bell has not been seen since he discharged himself from Greymouth Hospital on June 3.

His van is a green Nissan Vanette, registration TL5469.

- NZPA