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Missing Clyde man: family calls for public help

The family of Alexandra man Wayne Hammond, who has been missing for almost two weeks, are appealing for help to find him.

Hammond, 50, was last seen in the Central Otago town of Clyde on the morning of 1 November.

In recent days police have stepped up efforts to find him.

In a statement released today via police, his family and work colleagues called for help.

"The last 11 days have been harrowing for us as a family. Wayne is a loving, caring and engaged husband, father, son and friend. Not knowing where he is, and if he is okay is inexplicably hard," his family said.

"We want to thank our local community for being there for us. We have been overwhelmed with support from both people who know us as a family, and many who don't.

"We are taking things day by day and want more than anything to have Wayne home with us.

"To the people who have come forward to offer information, we want to thank you.

"To anyone who thinks they may know something that can help, we ask you to please come forward. Even if you don't think what you have to tell Police is relevant, we'd rather discount the information than not know about it.

"As a family, we are focusing all of our energy on locating Wayne. With that said, we respectfully ask for privacy and will not be providing any media interviews."

Hammond's employer, Rory McLellan of McLellan's and Rockgas Alexandra, said Wayne - a valued and respected team member - had worked for him for three years.

"Not having him here each day is extremely hard for us to process.

"Wayne and I have literally worked side by side since he began with us. I regard him as both a good friend and a fantastic team member.

"On behalf of all of his colleagues, and alongside his family, we want to encourage anyone with information to please get in touch with police."

Police said anyone with information, including dash camera footage from Monday 1 November on the Alexandra-Clyde Road and surrounds, specifically Earnscleugh Road, should contact them.

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