Elderly motorist still missing

An elderly motorist who left Taumarunui to drive to his Hastings home on Thursday morning (20 January) is still missing.

Alex Binns, aged 69, had been house-sitting a rural property in Matiere, near Taumarunui. He left on Thursday with a tank full of gas to head back to Hastings but never arrived home.

Police are making a number of enquiries and yesterday used a helicopter to scour his likely route from Taumarunui. The helicopter search revealed nothing and there have been no reported sightings of Mr Binns despite a media appeal.

Police are urging motorists who may be travelling the same route to keep an eye out for Mr Binns or his silver Ford Falcon, registration XB8100. Motorists are also being asked to contact the Police if they see any signs along ths route that a vehicle may have left the road.

The likely route he would have travelled was SH41 to Turangi, SH1 to Taupo before picking up SH5, the Taupo to Napier Road.

Alex is described as European, with grey hair and a fairly solid build. Anyone who has seen him or has any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Taumarunui Police on 07 895 8119.

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