9 Jun 2017

Police searching for missing man zero in on landfill

12:56 pm on 9 June 2017

Police will be focusing on a landfill as they investigate the disappearance of Christchurch man Michael McGrath.

Michael McGrath

Michael McGrath Photo: NZ Police

The 49-year-old builder was last seen at his home in Halswell on Sunday 21 May and his brother says his disappearence is completely out of character.

Police have mounted an extensive search and yesterday divers were brought in.

Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney said this morning the divers had not found anything of significance, but the work continued and they may be brought back again.

Forensic examinations of a number of properties and vehicles in the Halswell area have also been carried out.

A property in Candys Road, Halswell, which was being searched, was likely to be handed back to the occupant in the next 24 hours, Mr Sweeney said.

Next week the search team will be concentrating on the Kate Valley refuse centre, at Waipara, 70km north of Christchurch.

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