81-year-old Valerie Hargrave found safe after major search effort

Valerie Hargrave has now been found after a police and local search effort over the last few days. Composite Image / NZME

Listen to this article — 81-year-old Valerie Hargrave found safe after major search effort

An 81-year-old Christchurch woman missing since Thursday has been found.

Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie said Valerie Hargrave was located in Ferrymead this evening after a large-scale search involving police and members of the public.

“She was extremely cold, but is talking to police and will be sent for a medical examination.

“Valerie’s family have been notified of this great result.”

Lifecare Ambulance Service led the community effort to find the missing woman. Photo / Anna Heath

Police thanked everyone who assisted with the search over recent days.

Hargrave went missing from Woolston on Thursday evening, prompting a community-wide effort to find her.

Earlier today, Lifecare Ambulance Service, a commercial ambulance provider, led a community search for Hargrave.

Lifecare Ambulance Service director Shane Casbolt said everybody out searching today was “hoping for the best possible outcome”.

“The more eyes, ears, people looking for her, it could be a lot better outcome if we can find her and get her back to her family.”

Locals helped search the streets surrounding the New World in the search for Valerie. Photo / Anna Heath.

The search was centred around New World Woolston where she had last been seen, spanning out across the Heathcoate River.

Before she was found this evening, police had expressed their concerns about Hargrave’s wellbeing given the length of time that had passed