Search of Waikato River to commence following discovery of missing man's clothing

A Police scene guard was in place overnight to secure the site where clothing, believed to belong to a missing Hamilton man, was discovered by the Waikato River yesterday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton of the Hamilton CIB said family members of Nicholas 'Tommy' ATKINS found the clothing and footwear on the river bank and submerged in water in the Waikato River during a river bank search.

"Mr ATKINS was reported missing to Police on Sunday night after last being seen by family at his Fairview Downs home early Saturday morning."

Mr Thornton said a Police rescue boat was launched to search the area late yesterday afternoon but was unable to locate anything further during the hours of darkness.

"The boat is being launched again this morning and Search and Rescue teams will converge on the scene to conduct a land based search.

"At this point we are keeping an open mind in relation to where Mr ATKINS may be, a search of phone and bank card records show neither have been used since his disappearance and we would encourage anyone who may have been in contact with him to contact the Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200."

Alternatively, they can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."