Woman's disappearance remains a mystery

The whereabouts of a Hamilton woman missing since last week remained a mystery today, with her family saying her disappearance was out of character.

Police today confirmed that Francesca Martin, 42, earlier reported as having been last seen last Tuesday, was sighted a day later at the Caltex service station on Naylor St in Hamilton.

They also said Ms Martin's Nissan Pulsar car, registration number XY8268, was found parked on the side of the road near Wairakei, in the central North Island, last Thursday night.

The discovery of the vehicle by Taupo police had earlier been reported as having taken place on Friday night.

Taupo Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen said it was possible that Ms Martin spent time at the BP Wairakei Diner on Thursday night.

Security footage would be reviewed to try to confirm her presence there.

Mr Jeurissen said police were keeping an open mind about where Ms Martin might be and there was no evidence at this stage to suggest foul play.

"I don't believe that are any fears for her safety at this stage," he said.

As to whether Ms Martin has gone to ground, Mr Jeurissen said there was nothing to suggest what might have happened other than that her car had been located.

He said police were again appealing for any information from the public.

Ms Martin is described as caucasian, 1.63m tall and of medium build, with brown and grey hair.

Her family believed her disappearance was out of character and they feared for her safety.

Sister-in-law Mary Martin said the past week had been difficult for the family not knowing what had happened to her.

Detective Chris Thomas, of Taupo police, said Ms Martin was last seen by her family in Hamilton on Tuesday and by a friend the next day.

He said some information relating to the case had been received from the public but nothing that confirmed her whereabouts or movements in the area.

Her bank account had not been touched since she disappeared.

- NZPA