Source: Radio New Zealand
Antoine Richard hasn’t been seen since 21 March. Supplied / NZ Police
The family of French national Antoine Richard is appealing for more help in the search for the 21-year-old who was reported missing in Cromwell on the weekend of 21-22 March.
Richard was last seen on 21 March, around 11.45pm at the Victoria Arms Hotel on the corner of Achil Street and Melmore Terrace.
A statement issued by police on behalf of the family on Wednesday said: “An enormous amount of work has already been carried out by the police, the Search and Rescue team, Carrick winery where he worked, his friends, the Cromwell Rugby Team, local residents, and everyone who has taken part in the search.
“We are infinitely grateful to them.”
The family, Hervé, Marithé, Claudine, Elise, Noémie, Valentin and Corentin Richard, said they were asking for people’s help with these aspects of the case:
- A Croc shoe that had been found
- If you or someone you know owns a property in Cromwell, please check your surroundings, gardens, and outbuildings
- If you have a security camera, please review the footage from after 11:30pm on 22 March
- Anyone who gave a lift to Richard in the early hours of 22 March
“We have been devastated with worry since we heard the news.
“We are writing on behalf of his entire family, his friends, his colleagues in France and New Zealand, and all the people he loves, in the hope of finding him as soon as possible.”
Police are also appealing for residents to check their properties and any CCTV footage which can be uploaded here.
They also want to hear from anyone who may have seen a person matching Richard’s description either hitchhiking or walking in Cromwell in the early hours of 22 March.
Supplied / NZ police
Detective Phill Hamlin said searches have been conducted by LandSAR members from throughout the Otago and Southland area, police, Coastguard and many members of the community.
“We remain dedicated and focused on locating Antoine,” he said.
The Police National Dive Squad will also search areas of Lake Dunstan.
Search teams located a grey rubber Croc branded sandal from the shore of Lake Dunstan and would like to speak to anyone who may have seen somebody wearing the footwear.
Richard was last seen also wearing light coloured knee length shorts and a black t-shirt, police said.
Anyone who has seen him or has information regarding his whereabouts, is urged to contact police via 105, using the reference file number 260324/5771.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
