Missing man may be hiding from searchers

A man who disappeared after crashing his car near Jacksons, 50km southeast of Greymouth, may be deliberately avoiding rescue teams who are searching for him, police said today.

Albert Biddington, 63, who lives near Greymouth, was last seen in his station wagon after it crashed into a deer fence on Monday night but when the witness returned after going for help, the car was empty.

Constable Peter Jefferies, of Greymouth police, said Mr Biddington suffered from paranoia, and may be hiding from search and rescue teams.

"It may be the case he is avoiding detection. It may not be the case of him being injured and wandering off somewhere," he said.

"It's maybe a paranoia instinct that people are out to get him, and he'll be hiding."

He said Mr Biddington did not have medication with him that helps to control his condition.

Mr Jefferies said the rescue teams, made up of police and volunteers, were searching a 1km area around the crash site.

"Historically people with mental conditions will be located within [a kilometre] area...We are checking buildings that he could be in, because it has just started raining."

A small amount of blood was found in Mr Biddington's car, and Mr Jefferies said they could not rule out that he suffered a head injury.

Greymouth police said it was "not unusual" for Mr Biddington to disappear.

About 18 months ago he disappeared into the bush for three days before walking out safely, the police spokesman said.

- NZPA