Police end search for missing Hutt woman
Wellington Police have suspended their search for missing Upper Hutt woman Mary Berrington.
Detective David Mason said on Sunday that an exhaustive search effort had been carried out, and police had scoured all the areas Berrington could be.
‘‘I have spoken to Mary’s family ... and while they are understandably hugely disappointed that Mary has not yet been found, they are immensely grateful for the efforts of the search teams and the support provided by the wider Upper Hutt community,’’ he said.
More than 100 people - including Police, Land Search and Rescue and community volunteers - had been searching the Upper Hutt area for Berrington since the 62-year-old was reported missing on Wednesday.
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Volunteer coordinator Daniel Talbot said community volunteers had worked tirelessly since to try and reunite her with her family.
For the past two days his crew had focussed on leaflet drops around Berrington’s home and the wider Hutt area, Talbot said.
The group would continue looking for Berrington, despite police suspending their search, he said.
‘‘We’re going to keep on going. Someone must know something.’’
Talbot said on Sunday that his group of volunteers had found no trace of Berrington and was beginning to tire. ‘‘We really need fresh legs.’’
Berrington has not been seen since Tuesday night, although there have been a few unconfirmed sightings.
She has bipolar disorder and may be in an anxious state.
Mason said that although the search had been suspended, it did not mean police would stop trying to find Berrington.
‘‘Police will continue with a missing person investigation and we are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Mary, or who thinks they may have information that would help us establish what has happened to her.’’