Police search for missing Goonellabah man Michael Watts

Police and State Emergency Service volunteers have scoured bushland searching for a 42-year-old man who has not been seen since Thursday.

Michael Watts, 42, was last seen leaving a home on Ethan Place Goonellabah, just before 6pm on Thursday, October 7, 2021.

Detectives are investigating the disappearance of missing Lismore man Michael Watts, who was last seen in Goonellabah on Thursday, October 7.

The 42-year-old left a home on Ethan Place home in Goonellabah just before 6pm and was last seen on Oliver Avenue.

Richmond Police District officer Inspector Mary Tanner said there have been recent unconfirmed sightings of the missing man.

“Detectives are making further enquiries into that today (Monday),” she said.

State Emergency Service volunteers helped police search surrounding bushland on Friday and continued on Saturday.

“The possible sightings indicate that he may no longer be in the area that we searched last week,” Insp Tanner said.

“Anyone who has any information about his whereabouts and think they can assist with our enquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers or any police station in the area,” she said.

Mr Watts is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, of medium build, with dark coloured hair and a long beard.

He was last seen wearing black shorts and a singlet.

He was carrying a hessian sling, a supermarket green canvas bag and had no shoes on.

Despite having extensive bush survival skills, concerns are held for Mr Watts’s welfare.

Anyone who sees Mr Watts, or has information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Lismore Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.