22 Mar 2015

Police find items related to search for boy

7:40 pm on 22 March 2015

Southland Police looking for the missing Mike Zhao-Beckenridge, 11, and his stepfather John Beckenridge, 64, have found some items of interest near Curio Bay in the Catlins.

Mike Zhao-Beckenridge

Mike Zhao-Beckenridge Photo: SUPPLIED

Police staff along with Search and Rescue volunteers have been carrying out an extensive search in the Haldane and Tokanui areas in Southland.

After finding the items this afternoon, they have used a helicopter to expand a search of the Curio Bay area.

The two people have been missing for more than a week, since the mother went to pick up the boy at school and he was not there.

Police have appealed to Mr Beckenridge to make contact saying there are concerns about the boy's safety.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs