Police leading the search for a missing Bay of Plenty man have established a base at the Pukehina surf club.

Ross, aged 71, was reported missing from his Pukehina Parade home yesterday morning and was last seen on Tuesday night.

Police said today that a search and rescue operation was based at the Pukehina Surf Rescue building.

“Police are asking the public to report any sightings of the lightly clothed 71-year-old and for residents in and around Pukehina to thoroughly check their properties.

“Police also ask anyone who had CCTV footage to contact them so the contents can be captured and reviewed.”

Police said they had a strong interest in the hours between 3am and 7am.

“Ross’s family and police are extremely concerned for his safety due to medical concerns.”

Anyone who had seen Ross or heard from him was asked to immediately phone 111 and quote event number P06735452.

People can also report a sighting or other information to the police at the surf club.