Body found in search for missing deaf man

Police searching for missing deaf Greymouth man Peter Bell have found a body in Arthur's Pass National Park.

The 54-year-old had been missing since he discharged himself from Greymouth Hospital on June 3.

His van was found at Klondyke Corner, near Arthur's Pass, on Sunday, and a search and rescue operation began that night.

The body was found in bush this afternoon, Senior Sergeant Ryan O'Rourke said.

It had yet to be formally identified, although identification may take place tonight.

A scene examination had been completed and the body was being taken out.

It would be taken to Christchurch for a post-mortem.

The coroner had been advised and Mr Bell's next of kin in Australia had been notified through Interpol, Mr O'Rourke said.

It was not known how long the body had been in the bush.

More than 30 police and volunteers were involved in the search which was focused on the area near the van as well as nearby trampers' huts.

It appeared the van had been there a couple of days and police were appealing for people who had seen either Mr Bell or his van to come forward.

- NZPA