Family pleads for teen to make contact

Caitlin Blanch
Caitlin Blanch
The wait continued last night for the family of missing Clyde teenager Caitlin Blanch after the search of the Alexandra area was suspended yesterday.

Police efforts to locate the 17-year-old were now focused on the greater Otago area or beyond.

Caitlin was last seen hopping off a school bus in Alexandra about 8am on Tuesday.

Through a police statement, her family yesterday pleaded with her to get in contact and confirmed the physical search had been suspended.

"Police and LandSAR volunteers from the Otago area have been searching and making a number of extensive enquiries into her whereabouts.

"This has involved additional searching around the edges of Alexandra and speaking with residents in the area," the statement said.

"Despite incredible support from our search teams, and the public, we have exhausted all viable search area options at this time."

At this time, there was nothing to suggest there was any foul play, the statement said.

Police and the teenager’s family urged her to make contact.

"Caitlin’s family and police are extremely concerned for her welfare and we want to make sure she is safe."

A family spokesperson was quoted in the statement as speaking directly to Caitlin.

"We just want to know you are safe. That’s all we care about.

"Reach out to us, make contact and let us know you are safe.

"It doesn’t matter who you contact, family or friends. It can be anybody."

While the physical search had been suspended, police continued to identify and follow up new lines of inquiry into Caitlin’s whereabouts including if she had travelled outside of Alexandra.

Police were in regular contact with Caitlin’s family and had advised them the search had been stood down, the statement said.

They understood that police would not hesitate to initiate further physical searches as new information came to hand.

"We are urging Caitlin to make contact with us and continue to appeal for information from the public to help us locate her."

Caitlin was described as being of medium build, 175cm tall, and was believed to be wearing a black jacket with fur trim, beanie, black jeans, black boots and a dark green jersey.

  • Call police on 105, file number 210728/6065.

jared.morgan@odt.co.nz

 

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