No suspicious circumstances surround disappearance of Emma Beattie

Emma Beattie has not been seen since she left her home in the rural North Canterbury suburb of Fernside on Friday evening. Photo / Supplied

Police searching for missing Fernside woman Emma Beattie believe there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

The 20-year-old from North Canterbury was last seen at 11pm on Friday evening, after leaving her family home on foot.

She has not had contact with her family since.

Senior Sergeant Paul Reeves, who is in charge of the missing person's investigation, said after five days of searches there was nothing to indicate anything of suspicion in Beattie's disappearance or that anyone else is involved.

Police have launched extensive LandSAR searches for Beattie, focusing on areas including the Ashley River and Hillcrest Rd in Fernside.

Reeves said the search was being conducted in close proximity to the family's address and teams were searching the riverbed as well as outbuildings on nearby properties.

"We have five teams of searches out this morning looking for Emma," he said.

"The terrain is pretty scrubby and difficult to penetrate some of it so it takes times to do a methodical search."

Reeves said there was a possibility that Beattie had left the area but searches would remain in Fernside unless new information came to light.

"We will carry on as is but review it daily and see what resources we do need.

"We are committed in bringing Emma home to the family. Hopefully she is just sleeping rough and is located safe and well."

Reeves refused to provide any details around the circumstances of Beattie's disappearance or her mental state at the time she went missing.

"I spoke to the family this morning and they have asked for privacy," he said.

A close relative of Beattie's told the Herald the family was not ready to speak.

Although Beattie has not made contact with her family, Reeves said he was unsure of whether she had been in contact with anyone else.

"If anyone has had contact with her then please come forward," he said.

Reeves would not comment on whether Beattie's disappearance was out of character or whether it had happened before. He would also not comment on whether she had used her bank account or phone.

He said police had received sightings from the public but those inquiries have been negative. No items of interest have been found to date.

Police are still encouraging anyone with information on Beattie's whereabouts to contact police.

"If people do see anything that will help us in our investigation or locating Emma then please let us know," Reeves said.

High temperatures have meant tough conditions for searchers scouring the countryside for Beattie, but Reeves said teams remain dedicated to bringing her home.

"Search and rescue volunteers are very hot and very tired but they are committed and will work tirelessly to find Emma," Reeves said.

"We would like to locate her as soon as possible."

Beattie has long blonde hair, and is believed to be wearing orange and black Nike shoes.

She may also be carrying a small brown drawstring rucksack with cream-coloured rope straps. The contents of this bag are unknown.

Beattie's disappearance is the second missing person's case the Waimakariri district has endured this year.

Melissa Dalgety, 34, from Rangiora went missing on July 20 and is yet to be found.

Reeves said police believe there is no connection between the two missing persons cases.

He said a decision had not been made as to when the search for Beattie would draw to an end.

Information on the whereabouts of Emma Beattie can be passed on to Christchurch Police on 03 363 7400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and quote the file number 171202/9451.