Teen in 'negative state' when he disappeared

Missing Nelson teenager Leo Lipp-Neighbours was in a "negative state of mind" on the night of his disappearance, adding to concerns for his safety, police say.

The 19-year-old was last seen at about 4am on Sunday at his flat in Watson St in Nelson and left in an orange 1987 Toyota Corolla station wagon, registration number NQ7258. He had earlier been at the Phat Club in Nelson.

Police are not treating his disappearance as suspicious, although there are serious concerns for his safety.

This morning his father, Colin Neighbours, said family were extremely concerned and distressed at his son's disappearance, which he said was out of character.

He urged anyone with any information that might help in the search or who might have seen the car to contact police.

Acting Sergeant Blair Wilkinson of Nelson said the person who last saw Mr Lipp-Neighbours was to be re-interviewed today, but police held concerns about Mr Lipp-Neighbours' state of mind at the time he left the address.

"It's very out of character for him to disappear and there's some suggestion he was in a negative state of mind, but we're not looking for anybody else in connection with his disappearance."

Mr Wilkinson said Mr Lipp-Neighbours might be in the area around Nelson, including Golden Bay and the Nelson Lakes, although police remained open-minded about his whereabouts.

"We haven't managed to narrow down where he might be. He's got access to a vehicle so he could be anywhere in the South Island."

He is known to have ties in Christchurch, where he is at university.

Mr Wilkinson said police were following up possible sightings of the car. Search and rescue would start a search when the vehicle was found.

Inquiries were also being made with his bank and cellphone company.

Mr Lipp-Neighbours is described as a 1.85-metre tall Caucasian with light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a yellow T-shirt with black and red writing on the front, blue jeans, and black leather shoes.

Police would like to talk to anyone with information about his whereabouts.

"We're particularly interested if anyone knows where he is or has sighted his vehicle – we're very keen to hear from them," Mr Wilkinson said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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