Disabled man still missing in Hills

Police fear time is running out to find intellectually disabled man Andrew Catchpole, who last night was still missing in the Perth Hills.

A Fire & Emergency Services Authority spokesman said yesterday that Mr Catchpole could last at least five days in the Mundaring bush — but he had already been missing for four days.

Police, volunteers and trekkers yesterday scoured bush around Mundaring Weir in the massive search for Mr Catchpole, who vanished while walking with his mother.

Hundreds of searchers probed around scrubby bush, big trees and rocky outcrops. They included State Emergency Service volunteers, the Bushfire Brigade, mounted police and staff from the Department of Environment and Conservation in a dinghy on Mundaring Weir.

Mr Catchpole, a keen runner, can speak just three words and is unlikely to shout if people come close. But he is strong, does not need much sleep, and is without medication which makes him more active.

His fast walking got him into trouble last Thursday when he bolted ahead of his mother, Philippa, on their weekly outing, climbed an incline and vanished. Normally, he would wait for her or would run back.

Mrs Catchpole tried to find him but returned to her car to avoid getting lost and drove to raise the alarm. Insp. Denis Perich said there had been no further sightings of Mr Catchpole, prompting police to return to the site of his disappearance. “As the search gets longer, the chances of him surviving get smaller,” Insp. Perich said. “It doesn’t mean we’re not holding out hope. There’s plenty of water out there, we know he’s fit in his health, so we’re not giving up hope yet. Of course there is concern in relation to how long he can last out there.” Gail Palmer, disabilities manager with the Hills Community Support Group, said Mr Catchpole received 24-hour care in a community home he shared with three others who were aware he was missing. Ms Palmer said Mr Catchpole was fearless, trusted people and would approach a house for food and shelter. But he would not necessarily know where to look for water if he came across a deserted homestead, though he could turn on a tap. His fearlessness could work against him, rendering him unable to appreciate danger posed by snakes. Mr Catchpole, 42, is 184cm tall with dark hair and was wearing a green hat, cream shirt and jeans. Anyone who sees him should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.