Police investigating the disappearance of 21-year-old Christchurch father Braydon Hepworth now believe he is dead, more than a month after he was last seen.

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said officers had executed several search warrants at properties in Linwood and Edgeware as investigators worked to establish what happened to the young man.

“Our enquiries to date suggest Braydon is no longer alive.”

“We know there are people in the community that know what has happened to Braydon and request that they come forward with information.

“Braydon is a father and a son and Police are determined to get answers for Braydon’s family.”

Police have not disclosed what evidence has led them to believe Braydon is dead or what was discovered during the latest searches.

Braydon was last confirmed seen on 3 September at the Z Energy service station in Linwood.

His disappearance sparked an extensive police investigation, including a forensic examination of a residential property in England Street, near the intersection with Hereford Street.

Police descended on the property on 2 October, cordoning off the area while specialist search teams examined the address.

A police forensics trailer was also brought to the scene.

On 6 October, Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons confirmed the examination had been completed, although the investigation into Braydon’s disappearance remained ongoing.

The latest development follows an emotional appeal from Braydon’s mother, Char Huntley, who previously spoke to Chris Lynch Media about the devastating impact of her son’s disappearance.

“This is so traumatic and devastating not knowing anything,” Huntley said.

“He is physically somewhere, so someone knows something.”

Huntley said Braydon had Type 1 diabetes and required insulin every day, making his disappearance particularly concerning.

The young father also has a baby daughter, who was nine months old when his family appealed for help finding him.

He has two siblings and a family who have been desperately searching for answers.

Huntley previously told Chris Lynch Media there had been no contact through Braydon’s phone or bank account since 3 September.

She said several possible sightings had been reported after his disappearance, but none had led to him being found.

His last known address was in England Street, Linwood.

Huntley had carried out her own physical searches, contacted hospitals throughout New Zealand and spoken with Braydon’s friends in an effort to establish his whereabouts.

“His dad and I are beside ourselves with worry for his safety, health and whereabouts.”

In her interview with Chris Lynch Media on 30 September, Huntley described the emotional toll of searching for her son without knowing whether he was safe.

“All I am wanting is Braydon back home safe, but I have run out of people and places myself to ask and look into or at.”

“I’m so scared for him. The more hours that go by, the more my heart breaks.”

“I love him and not knowing where he is at is breaking me apart.”

At the time, Braydon was described as Caucasian, approximately six feet tall, with blonde hair, hazel eyes and a slim build.

He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, a Monster beanie, over ear headphones and carrying a backpack.

His mother said the family had exhausted many of the avenues available to them and was relying on the public to help find him.

Police have continued to appeal for information, with Anderson urging anyone who knows something about Braydon’s disappearance to contact investigators.

“Any information, no matter how small, could be a piece of the puzzle we need to locate Mr Hepworth.”

Anyone with information can contact police through 105, either by telephone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, quoting file number 260918/8420.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111