Possible sighting of missing Hamilton woman

Police are investigating a possible sighting of Hamilton woman Fran Martin, who has been missing for almost a month.

Detective David Hale said Ms Martin, 42, may have been seen in the Hamilton suburb of Pukete more than two weeks ago.

Police were told a woman who was dirty, dishevelled and could only mumble when spoken to was seen 15 days ago in the Pukete Rd-Cullimore St area.

Ms Martin was last seen at a service station in Hamilton. Her white Nissan Pulsar car was found abandoned at Wairakei on April 20 but police do not know how it got there.

Mr Hale said the woman seen on May 4 was described as someone who appeared to have been living rough for some time.

"It is possible that this woman is living on the streets or similar in Hamilton, possibly receiving meals organised by Hamilton charitable organisations," he said.

If the woman was Ms Martin, she could be disorientated, frightened, confused and suffering from extreme paranoia, he said.

Family members were informed of the sighting yesterday as they checked rest areas in Taupo.

Dave Martin said it would be great if the woman was his sister "but it's only a possible sighting".

Ms Martin's father, Bob, was today checking Salvation Army hostels and kitchens.

- NZPA