Police have suspended the physical search for missing Otago teenager Caitlin Blanch.
The 17-year-old has been missing for more than three days after she was last seen hopping off the school bus at around 8am on Tuesday, July 27, in her hometown of Clyde.
In a statement on Friday, police said they are calling off the physical search.
"Police and LandSAR volunteers from the Otago area have been searching and making a number of extensive enquiries into her whereabouts.
"This has involved additional searching around the edges of Alexandra and speaking with residents in the area.
"Despite incredible support from our search teams, and the public, we have exhausted all viable search area options at this time."
Police said while the search has been suspended, the investigation into her whereabouts is ongoing.
"Police continue to identify and follow-up new lines of enquiry into Caitlin's whereabouts including if she has travelled outside of Alexandra. We believe Caitlin could be in the greater Otago area or beyond."
Police said there is currently nothing to suggest any foul play and is urging Caitlin to make contact.
"Caitlin's family and Police are extremely concerned for her welfare and we want to make sure she is safe.
"We are urging Caitlin to make contact with us and continue to appeal for information from the public to help us locate her."
A spokesperson for her family is begging the teenager to make contact so they know she's safe.
"We just want to know she is safe. Reach out to us, make contact and let us know you are safe.
"It doesn't matter who you contact, family or friends, it can be anybody. We just want to know you are safe, that's all we care about," they said.
Caitlin is described as being of medium build, 175cm tall, and is believed to be wearing a black jacket with fur trim, a beanie, black jeans, black boots and a dark green jersey.
Anyone who has seen Caitlin or has information about her whereabouts or wellbeing is urged to call Police on 105, quoting file number 210728/6065.
