A "person of interest" has been spoken to by police following the disappearance of an Auckland man more than a month and a half ago, police say.
Sandringham man Ronny Okeke, 60, was last seen at a New World supermarket in Mount Roskill on April 27 and reported missing five days later.
Okeke attempted to call his wife, who lives overseas, at around 11am on the day he was last seen but did not pick up when she tried to call him back.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin confirmed this afternoon Okeke was involved in an altercation with another man on, or around, April 27.
"It is believed Ronny may have been injured as a result but, as for the severity of any injuries, we still do not know," he said.
"His whereabouts beyond April 27 is also not known."
Two searches were carried out at homes in Mt Eden and Ramarama in late May as part of a police investigation into Okeke's disappearance, Baldwin said this afternoon.
"Police have also examined two vehicles of interest. Forensic testing in relation to a number of samples and items is continuing," Baldwin said.
"No arrests have been made at this point but I can confirm we have since spoken with a person of interest in relation to Ronny’s disappearance.
"What we do know is that this altercation occurred, and Ronny has not been heard from since," Baldwin said.
"The investigation team are continuing to keep an open mind around Ronny’s disappearance but we, undoubtably, have grave concerns for him at this point."
'Important piece in the puzzle'
Officers involved in the investigation have since recovered Okeke's mobile phone.
"This is an important piece in the puzzle and work is ongoing to interrogate the phone, and extract all possible relevant information," Baldwin said.
Police were also continuing to urge anyone with information to come forward by calling 105.
"If you have information or if you have been involved in helping Ronny lay low, or seek medical attention, I urge you to come forward," Baldwin said.
"Ronny’s family are nearing two months without hearing from him and, being overseas, they are understandably distressed and concerned for him."
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