Police seek missing Taita, Lower Hutt youth, Kellie Petterson...

Police are appealing for public help in finding an 18-year-old intellectually disabled man after he failed to turn up overnight.

Kellie Petterson, who has mental health problems and also suffers from depression, has been missing from his Taita home in Lower Hutt since midday yesterday and police and Mr Petterson's family were concerned for his safety, Detective Sergeant Scott Cooper said.

''Kellie doesn't have a cellphone that we're aware of nor any money, so we're hoping he's not too far away,'' Mr Cooper said.

Mr Petterson was described as a solidly built Maori, about 185cm tall and had black curly hair.

He was wearing a white coloured hooded jacket with black writing on it, shorts and blue socks.

Mr Petterson lived with his grandparents, who were concerned as he had not gone missing overnight before and did not know anyone in the area.

''Kellie, you're not in trouble,'' Mr Cooper said.

''Please let us know where you are as your family is worried about you.''

Anyone who had information regarding Mr Petterson's whereabouts should contact police, Mr Cooper said.

Acknowledgements:

NZPA