Search launched for elderly possum trapper

Police are concerned about the safety of a missing 80-year-old man who has not been seen since going possum trapping in North Canterbury yesterday.

A team of 35 people, including a police dog team and a helicopter, were involved in the search in the Ashley Gorge area, northwest of Christchurch, police said.

Alan Hill, from Loburn, was reported missing by his son Graeme Hill about 11pm after he failed to return home after going out possum trapping, The Press reported.

Police said they were concerned for Mr Hill's welfare as it was cold, windy and raining in the area.

Mr Hill, who regularly traps possums in the area, entered the Ashley Gorge area about 7am yesterday and was due to return home before dusk.

Police began searching as soon as he was reported missing and found a trap line and a pair of gloves believed to belong to him.

Sergeant Tony Tully earlier said their biggest concern was that he may have fallen ill as he had a heart condition.

The area where he went missing was covered in bush and it would have been easy to stray from the track at night, Mr Tully said.

- NZPA