Caitlin Blanch found 'safe and well'

Caitlin Blanch found 'safe and well'

Caitlin Blanch, the 17-year-old Otago teenager who has been missing since Tuesday, has been found "safe and well", according to police.

In a statement, police say the teenager was found on Saturday in the Alexandra area and she will now be "medically assessed as a precaution". 

"Police would like to thank the LandSAR searchers who located her after the physical search recommenced today," a spokesperson says.

Police are asking, on behalf of her family, for privacy at this time.

Authorities began looking for the woman after she went missing earlier this week. She had last been seen hopping off the school bus in Clyde at about 8am on Tuesday, July 27. On Friday, police advised the search had been suspended after all viable options were exhausted.

However, it recommenced on Saturday "based on further information gathered relating to further analysis of electronic data".

"There are approximately 35 searchers in an area from Alexandra towards Omakau, including Police and LandSAR volunteers," police said earlier on Saturday.

Despite the search being called off on Friday, an investigation into her whereabouts continued. 

"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 at the time that there was nothing to suggest any foul play.