A 21-year-old man missing in Christchurch since last month is "no longer alive", police believe, as they continue investigations into the disappearance of Braydon Hepworth.
Several search warrants have been carried out in Christchurch today at properties in Linwood and Edgeware, Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said.
"Our inquiries to date suggest Braydon is no longer alive.
"We know there are people in the community that know what has happened to Braydon and request that they come forward with information."
Police had previously conducted a scene examination at an England St property, which was his last known address.
Anderson said the last confirmed sighting of Hepworth was at Linwood Z Energy on September 3.
"Braydon is a father and a son and police are determined to get answers for Braydon's family."
Police were continuing to appeal to anyone who may have information in relation to Hepworth's disappearance," he added.
"Any information, no matter how small, could be a piece of the puzzle we need to locate Mr Hepworth."
Police were unable to share details on the findings of the search warrants.
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