Search for 81-year-old Christchurch woman Valerie Hargrave, missing four days

4:10 pm today

Valerie Hargrave has not been seen since Saturday morning when she left her Woolston home.

Photo: NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED

Concerns are growing for a missing 81-year-old Christchurch woman who was last seen four days ago.

Police do not believe Valerie Hargrave has travelled far from her Woolston home, with the last confirmed sighting of her in the St John Street area on Thursday night.

Missing Christchurch woman Valerie Hargrave.

Photo: Supplied / Police

Police said she was wearing a pink cardigan or jersey and walked with a shuffle.

Hargrave was 167 centimetres tall and of small build.

Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie said concerns for her were growing.

"Given the time that has passed since confirmed sighting of Valerie, her family and police are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare," he said.

Missing Christchurch woman Valerie Hargrave.

Photo: Supplied / Police

"Police Search and Rescue are continuing work today to find Valerie, assisted by volunteers from LandSAR."

Baillie said there would be an increased police presence in Woolston as officers made inquiries.

"We'd ask the public to help us by checking in and around your properties, particularly in Woolston and the areas immediately surrounding."

Police were assessing information from the public and remained in contact with Hargraves' family, he said.

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