Concerns over Timaru woman who may be with armed man

  • 30/11/2016
Nicole Smith (Supplied)
Nicole Smith (Supplied)
Concerns over Timaru woman who may be with armed man

Nicole Smith, also known as Nicole Brown (Supplied)

Friends of a woman from Timaru who is feared to have been abducted by her husband have told Newshub they are "beside ourselves with panic" and saw her being dragged away.

The last known sighting of Nicole Smith, also known as Nicole Brown, was this morning in her maroon Toyota Hiace van in the vicinity of Ayr St at about 5am. The vehicle's registration is AZZ286.

Concerns over Timaru woman who may be with armed man

The van Ms Smith was seen driving at 5am on Wednesday morning (Supplied)

Police say they have concerns for Ms Smith's safety and are appealing for information from the public regarding her whereabouts.

Friends of Ms Smith, who did not wish to be named, have told Newshub that she has been on the run from her husband, 35-year-old George David Henry Smith, for weeks.

The pair married just last year.

Concerns over Timaru woman who may be with armed man

One of the couple's wedding photos (Supplied)

The friends say her neighbours reported hearing screaming for help, and saw her being dragged into a van - though police would not confirm that they'd received any such reports.

Mr Smith is seven-foot-tall and has access to a silver Ford Territory with the number plate DFK591 - but police say not to approach him and to call 111 immediately, as they think he may be armed.

Concerns over Timaru woman who may be with armed man

George David Henry Smith (Supplied)

Canterbury Police say as well as urging members of the public to make contact, they are also wanting Mr Smith or Ms Smith to come forward themselves.

"We'd welcome any contact from either of them so we know they're okay," Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney said.

Those who see either person or their vehicles should contact Christchurch Police on (03) 363 7661, or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Newshub.