Car found in river in search for Maclean man

Police found a submerged car while searching for a 75-year-old missing man but it has not provided them with the answers they were seeking.

Police say a car found during their search of the Clarence River for a Maclean missing man is unrelated to the investigation.

John Parkes, 75, was last seen leaving his Maclean home in a silver Subaru XV sedan about 6am on Monday.

Grafton police officer-in-charge Chief Inspector Jo Reid said water police and police divers had been searching the area for the past two days.

A file image shows police divers searching the Clarence River near Maclean.

“They found a car, however it was unrelated to the missing person,” she said.

“We will continue reviewing information that may involve further searches of the river.”

Chief Inspector Reid said police were trying to narrow down anyone who may have last seen the man.

“We’re still trying to ascertain where he’s been, and we’re canvasing any areas with CCTV to see if we can catch a glimpse of the car.”

Family members reported Mr Parkes missing on Monday after he failed to return home.

John Parkes was last seen in Maclean on Monday.

Police and family hold grave concerns for his welfare due to his age and medical conditions.

He is described as being of caucasian appearance, between 165 to 170cm tall of a thin build, grey hair with no facial hair and blue eyes.

He is know the frequent the Maclean area and anyone who has seen him, or his silver Subaru XV sedan with registration BDX38X is urged to contact police or Crimestoppers.