Police step up search for missing man

Police are searching for an elderly man missing from a Palmerston North rest home since yesterday afternoon.

Andrew Hodge, 76, was last seen at the Brightwater Rest Home at 2.45pm, Sergeant Bill Nicholson said today. There was a possible sighting of him near the entrance of the Palmerston North Golf Club grounds at 3pm.

Mr Hodge was on medication and it was important to find him as soon as possible, Mr Nicholson said.

"He is likely to be in a confused state and by now he will be cold and hungry."

Police, family and rest home staff last night launched a search of the rest home, neighbouring properties and the golf course.

Mr Hodge was a solidly built male Caucasian, about 1.67m tall. Balding, with grey hair, he was wearing fawn trousers and a blue-grey checked jersey.

Mr Nicholson said it was likely he was still in the local area, and police were asking residents near the rest home to check their properties.

"We're also making enquiries into the possibility that he may have left the city to return to old addresses."