Missing 70 year old man located outside a vacant property in Riccarton

Canterbury Police SAR can confirm that 70 year old Noel Noonan has been located in the grounds to the rear of Antonio Hall on Riccarton Road shortly before 1.15pm this afternoon (25 February 2015). 

Canterbury Police SAR Coordinator, Sergeant Phil Simmonds said “This is a great result for the family and everyone involved in the search for Mr Noonan.  We had teams from Police, LandSAR, Christchurch City Council and University of Canterbury Urban Search and members of the public involved in the SAR operation to locate him.  Members of the Christchurch City Council Urban Search located Mr Noonan when they searched the grounds of the vacant Antonio House on Riccarton Road this lunchtime.”

“He was found conscious, confused and immobile on the ground at the rear of the property close to the edge of a steep drainage ditch, so wasn’t visible from the road.  He is now surrounded by his family and is being checked by medical professionals.  We would like to thank the followers of the Canterbury Police Facebook and Twitter feeds, the media and members of the public for their help in reporting possible sightings.  We’d also like to thank those who gave up their time to take part in the Police led search” explained Sergeant Simmonds.

This is a great illustration of what can be achieved when organisations pull together with the community.

A spokesperson from Mr Noonan’s family said “We are overwhelmed at the support of Canterbury Police, LandSAR, Urban Search, volunteers, our friends and the community who all helped reunite us with our beloved father.  He has been taken to Christchurch Hospital for assessment and we hope to have him home soon.  Some of our friends have been driving and walking around the area where he went missing and the parks and open spaces in Christchurch.  Their unwavering support leaves us speechless.”

Approximately 50 people (including Police staff) were involved in the search this morning, with a further 20 Police officers searching the area yesterday afternoon and overnight.

NZSAR, LandSAR and Police encourage the use of products such as Wandatrak pendants which can allow individuals, with medical conditions such as dementia, who are prone to wandering to be located using bespoke tracking equipment. 

ENDS

Issued by:  Lisa-Marie Brooks, District communications Manager, Canterbury District Police. Mobile 021 942 404.