Bertram man’s disappearance ‘extremely out of character’

Police have launched a major search operation to find missing Bertram man John Ria Poe, who was last seen more than a week ago.

Ten mounted police units have been deployed in the Bertram area, with appeals for the public to come forward with any information.

Detective Sergeant Orla Neff said it was “extremely out of character” for Mr Poe to disappear without letting his family know where he was.

“From all accounts of family and work friends, John is a really nice guy and there are no mental health issues we’re aware of at this time,” she said.

“We’re asking the public if you’ve seen John or know where he is please get in touch with police.

“We want to make sure we’ve searched the area thoroughly. At this stage we’re not treating his disappearance as suspicious.”

Mr Poe was last seen leaving his workplace on Horrie Miller Drive, Perth Airport, at about 5:30pm on Wednesday, September 6.

Later that night his vehicle was found outside his sister’s house on Shannon Pass in Bertram.

The alarm was raised after he failed to turn up for work on Thursday, September 7.

Mr Poe is described as being of Maori descent, 175cm tall, solid build, with short black hair, tanned skin and brown eyes.

He has a band tattoo around his right forearm.

It is not known what clothing he was wearing at the time.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr Poe is asked to call police immediately on 131 444.