Missing man ‘doesn’t fit pattern’
Police investigating the mysterious disappearance of a Christchurch builder have appealed for sightings of his car.
Michael Craig McGrath, 49, from Halswell, has been missing since about Monday, May 22.
Police ramped up their investigation into his disappearance at the weekend.
Dozens of searchers scoured parts of Halswell, including parks and reserves, looking for McGrath, but did not find any trace of him.
Investigators, including forensic experts, carried out a scene examination at his red brick house on Checketts Ave, where he lived alone.
McGrath’s car – a blue 1994 Subaru Legacy station wagon – was at the property.
He walked with a limp and would not have strayed far from home, police said.
Last night, Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney, officer in charge of the investigation, said police had carried out ‘‘extensive inquiries’’ across Christchurch trying to find McGrath.
Sweeney appealed for sightings of McGrath’s car, registration BKQ180, between May 20 and May 22 in Halswell.
Police removed the vehicle from the Checketts Ave property on Saturday afternoon.
Earlier yesterday, Sweeney said it was unlike McGrath to disappear and there were concerns for his wellbeing.
The scene examination at McGrath’s property would continue today.
‘‘There’s nothing obvious at that address but it will take some time to assess what’s gone on there and what he’s been doing.’’
McGrath’s disappearance was unusual, but it was too early to draw conclusions about what had happened to him, Sweeney said.
Investigators spoke with his friends and acquaintances yesterday.
‘‘It [the disappearance] is out of character. He [McGrath] doesn’t really fit the pattern as a missing person, so we’ve got some concerns.’’
Those who knew McGrath said he was a pleasant, private man.
‘‘I’ve been here about 11 years and I’ve probably spoken to him about four times,’’ neighbour Chris Berry said. ‘‘He just keeps to himself.’’ Another Checketts Ave resident said he knew McGrath fairly well and he was a good neighbour.
McGrath is about 1.8 metres tall and of average build.
Police are also looking for missing Timaru man Murray Wall.
Wall, 53, was last seen at his Highfield home by his wife at 4.30am on Thursday. ❚ Anyone who knows McGrath or has employed him recently is asked to call Christchurch police on 03 363 7400 and cite file number 170523/6008. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.