Missing Auckland teen and dog found safe more than 35km from home

Wednesday, 22 April 2020

An Auckland teenager and his dog have been found safe and well after going missing in the early hours of Monday morning.

Stephen Singh-Heatley, 17, and his dog Ziggy were last seen at an address on Water Rd in south Auckland's Ōtahuhu at 1am on Monday.

Police released a statement on Tuesday saying both police and his family had concerns for Stephen's safety.

On Wednesday, Stephen's mum Rowena Singh confirmed he had been found.

'He's OK. Looking a little bit rough but he's OK,' Singh said.

'He's happy to be back with us.'

Singh said Stephen had gone for a walk all the way to North Shore's Torbay, nearly 37 kilometres from where he was last seen.

She said she believed he was just trying to clear his head.

Singh confirmed Ziggy was safe and well, also.

She said Stephen wasn't going to be taken to the hospital - he just needed some food and a hot shower.

Police also confirmed Stephen had been found.

'He was located a short time ago in Torbay along with his dog and is safe and well,' police said in a statement around 9.45am.

'Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.'