A high-risk child sex offender living in Upper Hutt has removed his monitoring bracelet, police say - sparking a police hunt.
Daniel Livingstone Photo: NZ POLICE
Police are actively searching for Daniel Livingstone, who abducted and raped a 10-year-old girl in Whangarei in 2006.
A police spokesperson said Mr Livingstone was subject to an extended supervision order following his release from prison in 2014, and had been living in Upper Hutt since June this year.
"Police were called to Mr Livingstone's address this morning by Corrections staff who notified that the tamper alarm on his monitoring bracelet had been activated," the spokesperson said.
"Police gained entry to the address and found the ankle bracelet.
"Due to his history, police hold grave concerns for both the potential risk Mr Livingstone poses to the community and possibly to himself."
Detective Inspector Grant Wormald said it took police several hours to realise Mr Livingstone had gone missing; the alarm went off about 1am but police did not break into his home for several hours.
Listen to Detective Inspector Grant Wormald
Mr Livingstone was described as being in his late 20s, 175cm tall, Maori and of medium build.
It was possible he had a suitcase or suitcases with him, described as being a medium-sized dark blue suitcase with a hard shell or a large maroon suitcase, and he could have caught a train or a bus.
"When he was put into the address by Corrections about seven weeks ago he had two suitcase in his possession," Mr Wormald said.
"We've searched the house. It appears that clothing and other items have been taken from the house, and those two suitcases are not there."
Mr Livingstone should not be approached, and anyone who had seen him should phone police on 111.