A body has been found in the search for missing Karori man Philip Sutton.
Sutton, who was in his 60s, was reported missing on Monday morning after torrential rain caused intense flooding in Wellington.
His home on Karori South Rd was found to have been swamped by floodwaters and debris.
Police today said Sutton's vehicle, a Suzuki Swift, had been found on the south coast near the mouth of the Karori Stream, about 7km from Karori South Rd, around 11am. Roughly an hour later, a body was found further along the coast.
"We've moved into a recovery phase this afternoon," Inspector Fleur de Bes said.
State of emergency declared for the region and residents warned again to leave low lying areas. (Source: 1News)
"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."
A front section of Sutton’s vehicle had been found on Monday, de Bes said. A second part of the vehicle was found the following day.
"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 community "for their concern and assistance", as well as the specialist search crews and emergency teams who "have worked in challenging and dangerous conditions" to find Sutton's body.
Support was being provided for Sutton's loved ones.
A spokesman earlier said a physical search for Sutton "could not safely proceed" yesterday due to "unstable stream banks, variable and fast-moving water, debris and damaged terrain".
Conditions were reassessed this morning, and the search resumed shortly after 8am.
De Bes said specialist teams, including canyon search and rescue, the dive squad, a dog unit and a drone, had been called in to help with the search.
"We acknowledge how frustrating this is and we ask members of the public to respect safety advice and allow teams to work safely at the scene," de Bes said earlier today.
"Philip's family are in close contact with us and have expressed thanks for the public’s concern and support, but have asked for their privacy to be respected."
Police will be investigating on behalf of the coroner.
SHARE ME