A body has been found during the search for missing Karori man Philip Sutton, Police say.
Wellington District Prevention Manager Inspector Fleur de Bes said search teams made the discovery on Tuesday along the South Coast.
About 11am, Sutton’s Suzuki Swift was located near the mouth of the Karori Stream, about 7km from Karori South Rd.
Around noon, searchers found the body of a man further along the coastline.
“Formal identification procedures are yet to be carried out but we believe the body is that of Mr Sutton and have notified his loved ones,” de Bes said.
“This is not the outcome any of us were hoping for, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this awful time.”
De Bes thanked members of the public for their concern and assistance during the search, and acknowledged the work of specialist search crews and emergency teams operating in challenging and dangerous conditions.
Police are continuing inquiries on behalf of the coroner. Support is being provided to Sutton’s family.
UPDATE:
Body found in Karori identified, police confirm
Police have formally identified the body found following a search in Karori as Philip Sutton.
Wellington District Prevention Manager Inspector Fleur de Bes confirmed the identification and said the case has now been referred to the Coroner.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Philip’s family and friends at this difficult time,” de Bes said.
Police located the body during a search operation in the Karori area. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the death have not been released.
A Coroner’s investigation will determine the cause and circumstances of Sutton’s death.
