By Natalee Kerr
Police are “really worried” for a missing 77-year-old homeless man last seen in Geelong two weeks ago.
Missing man Paul Kelly was last sighted at Geelong’s Westfield Shopping Centre on 13 June during the afternoon, according to police.
Acting Senior Sergeant Dean Parrello said Mr Kelly has a medical condition and was living at a Geelong medical facility before his disappearance.
“He had been in a medical facility for a short period of time, and prior to that he was homeless,” he said.
“We hold concerns for his welfare as he requires medical attention. Because of his condition and he’s been out so long out in the cold, we are really worried about him.
“He was seen with a tent so hopefully he has something to sleep in.”
Sen Sgt Parello said the medical facility alerted police of Mr Kelly’s disappearance after he discharged himself from the centre.
“He contacted the medical facility to say he wasn’t coming back,” he said.
Sen Sgt Parello believes Mr Kelly requires further medical treatment and uses a wheelchair.
“He is able to walk. I think (with) the medical condition he’s got at the moment the wheelchair assists him,” he said.
Sen Sgt Parello said Mr Kelly has “no contacts” in the area and could be travelling to Torquay by public transport.
“He’s got no family, unfortunately, he is homeless,” he said.
“We know he had hung out a little bit in Torquay – but where, and who with we don’t know.
“He’s a rough sleeper and frequents the Dandenong, Frankston, Cranbourne and Melbourne CBD areas.”
Investigators described Mr Kelly as having a thin build, blue eyes, shaved head, long white beard and a bandage on his left leg.
Police released an image of Mr Kelly last Saturday in hope someone recognises him.
“We just want him to be warm and safe and if he is safe just to let us know,” Sen Sgt Parello said.
“We’ve sent out a circular to all the police in the state hoping that they’d find them in their patrols.”
Sen Sgt Parello urged anyone with information on Mr Kelly’s whereabouts to immediately call crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or their local police station.
