Helicopter joins search

Helicopters have been drafted in to search for a missing Christchurch mother and daughter.

The disappearance of Marilyn Zidich, 62 and Selina Madden, 35, is ‘‘totally out of character’’, police say.

The pair have been missing from their Belfast home since Thursday.

Police yesterday said the duo may have been travelling to the Banks Peninsula area.

Helicopters were used to sweep the area.

Senior Constable Sonya Lemmens, of the Papanui police, said the women preferred their own company and to be at home.

‘‘They have never been known to leave home for this length of time.’’

A female family member who lives with the women reported the disappearance to police, Lemmens said.

‘‘They have not told anyone where they are going. They are very close and communicate with the other family member who lives with them so we don’t know exactly what has happened.’’

However, there was nothing at the home to indicate anything sinister had happened, she said.

‘‘We aren’t looking for a third party, but we have concerns for their health and wellbeing.’’

The women’s cellphones go straight to voicemail, she said.

Police were interested in sightings of a grey Fiat Tipo hatchback with the personalised licence plate ZIDICH the women were believed to be travelling in.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lemmens on (03) 374-1729.