Colin BELL

Search for missing man - Morisset

2009-05-11 05:51:44
 
NSW Police will today conduct an extensive search for a man who went missing from a health facility at Morisset more than a week ago.
 
Colin Bell, aged 38, was last seen by staff at the facility on Eucalyptus Drive on Saturday 2 May.
 
Since being reported missing, police have conducted searches of the hospital grounds and surrounding bushland without success.
 
Serious concerns are held for the welfare of the missing person due to health issues.
 
An extensive search of the bushland and waters surrounding the facility will be conducted by police today.
 
Conducting the search will be officers from the rescue squad, general duties, mounted police, trail bikes, water police and the Police Air Wing.
 
Officers from the NSW Fire Brigades, State Emergency Service volunteers, and NSW Health staff will assist in the search.
 
Mr Bell is described as being of white/European appearance, 180cm tall, with a medium build, greying brown hair, a beard and moustache. He has significant light blond streaks in the fringe of his hair.
 
Anyone who might have seen Mr Bell, or with information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Mother pleads for help to find son missing from Morisset Hospital

BY DAN PROUDMAN - Newcastle Herald
12/05/2009 4:00:00 AM

 

ROSALIE Ulrich just wants her son back.

Police say they have serious concerns for the welfare of Colin Bell, who vanished from the grounds of Morisset Hospital nine days ago.

An extensive land and water search across hundreds of hectares in Lake Macquarie yesterday failed to find any trace of Mr Bell, 38, who has a mental illness and needs daily medication.

As the NSW Fire Brigade and State Emergency Service volunteers joined the police search, Mrs Ulrich pleaded for public help to find her son who may have fallen ill without medication.

She last saw him five days before he disappeared, when he arrived at her place with flowers and asked for his favourite dish.

"He came over for tea and he seemed very down," Mrs Ulrich said. "This time he seemed to have had enough so I am quite concerned."

She urged anyone that saw him to call police.

"He would need police or a mental health [team] to take him to hospital," she said.

"But if anyone sees him please keep him, give him something to eat and drink and call for help."

Mr Bell, who first became ill more than 20 years ago, has gone missing several times in the past.

But that was when he had access to money and was taking medication which could last up to a fortnight.

On several occasions, he booked into a cheap motel room for a few days before either being seen by someone or ringing to be picked up.

But this time, he can't get any cash and needs medication at least once a day.

Sergeant John King, of Newcastle's police rescue squad, said he hoped someone would recognise Mr Bell and report him to police.

"With him being without his medication now for nine days, I would think his illness would cause him to stand out by now," Sergeant King said.

Police used the Polair helicopter, water and mounted police, and officers on trailbikes in the search yesterday.

Mr Bell is described as being of European appearance, about 180 centimetres tall, with a medium build, greying brown hair, a beard and moustache.

He has significant light blond streaks in the fringe of his hair.

Information should be forwarded to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000