Police divers search Scorching Bay in Wellington after a body was found on the beach yesterday. Photo / APNZ
Police divers search Scorching Bay in Wellington after a body was found on the beach yesterday. Photo / APNZ
A body found at a popular Wellington beach yesterday has been confirmed as that of an elderly woman who had been missing for several days.
Police said a formal identification this morning had established the body was that of Edna Mae Cairns, known as Mae.
The 74-year-old was last seenat her home in suburban Karori on Monday, and her disappearance sparked a three-day search.
However, the search was suspended yesterday afternoon when the body of an elderly woman was found on rocks at Scorching Bay on the Miramar Peninsula - the opposite side of the city to Karori.
A post mortem had been conducted and police did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Mrs Cairns' death.
Acting Sergeant Anthony Harmer, who was in charge of the search for Mrs Cairns, said searchers had looked in "the most logical places Mae was known to frequent".
"Police would like to thank members of the community and volunteers who provided valuable assistance throughout the search," he said.
Mrs Cairns' death would be referred to the coroner.
