A badly decomposed woman's body found on a beach near Wanganui last night could that of missing woman Diana Leafa, police say.
The body was found in tussock covered sand dunes on Waiinu Beach at Waitotara, 34km north-west of Wanganui.
Detective Senior Sergeant Warren Smith said there was a "strong possibility" it
was the body of 23-year-old Ms Leafa.
A person walking along the beach discovered the body. Police secured the area and a scene examination was underway today.
Ms Leafa, from Wanganui, was reported missing on September 17.
Nine days later, police and Ms Leafa's family said they had serious concerns for her safety.
Police today appealed for information about any activity, including vehicles seen, in the area known as Snapper Rock or Nukumara Rock, about 1km south of the beach.
- NZPA
