31 Jul 2021

Missing Clyde teenager found safe and well

3:24 pm on 31 July 2021

Missing Clyde teenager Caitlin Blanch has been found safe and well.

Caitlin Blanch was last seen getting off the school bus about 8am on Tuesday.

Photo: NZ Police

The 17-year-old was last seen hopping off a school bus in Alexandra on Tuesday morning.

About 35 searchers worked in an area from Alexandra towards Omakau in Central Otago, including Police and Land Search and Rescue volunteers.

Police said today she was found this afternoon and will be medically assessed as a precaution.

Police are pleased to advise the missing 17-year-old young woman we have been searching for was found safe and well this afternoon.

"Police would like to thank the LandSAR searchers who located her after the physical search recommenced today."

She will be medically assessed as a precaution.

Police had yesterday suspended the search for Caitlin saying officers had run out of options and that she may be in the wider Otago area or even further afield.