Child found deceased at Napier beach after large search

The shoreline along Westshore in Napier. Photo / NZME

The body of a young child has been found at Napier’s Westshore Beach following a large search.

Police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade at Westshore about 8.25pm on Thursday.

A search got underway involving police, the Coastguard, and Surf Lifesaving.

A body was found just before 1.30am.

It is understood to have been a young child.

“A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner,” a police statement read.

The body was found at Westshore Beach in Napier. Photo / Google Maps

Coastguard Hawke’s Bay skipper Henry van Tuel said about 20 people were involved in the search, including walking along the beach and searching from boats.

He said the search was carried out between the inner harbour channel to the south, up to the northern part of The Esplanade.

He said it was his understanding the body was located on “the waterline”.

It was also his understanding the person had entered the water from the shore, rather than from a boat.

It is unclear exactly when the child entered the water.