Latest from Missing Persons

Police wind down hunt for Lucas
As police pull out of the search for 4-year-old Lucas Ward, the head of the investigation has admitted the Gisborne boy may never be found, but his family are not giving up.

Search for Lucas to be downgraded
The grandfather of missing Gisborne toddler Lucas Ward says the family hasn't given up hope and will keep on searching.

Community rallies to help find Lucas
The disappearance of preschooler Lucas Ward has "ripped at the heart" of the Gisborne community.

Police '99% sure' Lucas not in river
Gisborne police were again checking the Waimata River for missing boy Lucas Ward this morning, despite being "99 per cent sure" he wasn't there.

Police search cupboards for Lucas
Police looking for Gisborne 4-year-old Lucas Ward have been searching wardrobes in homes near where the youngster disappeared.

'Criminal option' in play in search for Lucas
Police searching for missing Gisborne boy Lucas Ward have for the first time admitted he may have been the victim of foul play. They also want two kayakers seen at the time of Lucas' disappearance to come forward.

Carmen's body thought to be in bush
The body of murdered Aucklander Carmen Thomas is believed to have been dumped in bush southeast of Auckland.

Mother's plea: Just have a look
The mother of missing Gisborne boy Lucas Ward believes he may have got lost following a dog and been forced to shelter somewhere.

Parents join plea for help to find son
Jessica and Damon Ward today appealed for people to take five minutes to check all around their properties in case their "curious little boy" had got lost and taken shelter.

Carmen officers visit ex-partner's work
Police visited the workplace of missing escort Carmen Thomas' ex-partner while he was out of the office.

Police 'increasingly concerned' about missing boy
Gisborne residents are being urged to search their properties for Lucas Ward, 4.

Missing boy, 4, known to 'wander off'
The police dive squad is searching a Gisborne river close to the home where a four-year-old boy disappeared yesterday.

Family hunts through night for lost boy, 4
Lucas Ward's family 'just turned around and he wasn't there', police say. Photo / NZPA

Police check Carmen tip-off
The police hunt for the killer of Carmen Thomas today moved to rural southeast Auckland, after a newly reported sighting of her car around the time she went missing.

Police move Carmen search to Whitford
Police investigating the death of Carmen Thomas will tomorrow concentrate on a rural area 30km southeast of central Auckland.

Pig hunter found safe and well
The 69-year-old pig hunter who went missing last night near Wanganui has been found safe and well.

Search continues for missing Russell man
Police dive squad members continue to search for a Northland man presumed drowned after he tried to row across a bay in rough weather.

Wheelie bin may hold clue to murder
Police investigating the murder of Carmen Thomas say a missing recycling bin from her home could be a vital clue in the search for her body.

Carmen murder shock sets in
Family and friends desperate for news of missing woman Carmen Thomas are grappling with evidence of murder.