Police identify body of missing tramper

The body of a man found in a Marlborough river last night has been identified as missing tramper Joseph Knowles.

Mr Knowles, 47, an Australian who lived in Christchurch, was last seen alive on Monday at the Pelorus River tearooms.

Searchers found his body last night in 3m of water. It was not known how long it had been there.

Blenheim police said in a statement today the cause of death was not known but it was not being treated as suspicious.

A post-mortem examination would be carried out and Mr Knowles' death referred to the coroner.

- NZPA