Update on recovery of missing Ngaruawahia man's car from Waikato River

A car belonging to a Ngaruawahia man missing since September was removed from the Waikato River this afternoon and a body recovered from inside the vehicle.

Huntly Sub-Area Manager, Senior Sergeant Pete Simpson, said it was too early to confirm the identity of the person found in the car.

"However given the circumstances involved we are working along the lines that the person found in the car is the vehicle's registered owner but an examination will be required before we can confirm this."

The green 2003 model Ford falcon sedan was found partially submerged in the river at Ngaruawahia about 6pm yesterday and members of the Police National Dive Squad flew up from Wellington this morning to assist with the vehicle's recovery.

"This was completed about 3pm," said Mr Simpson.

The vehicle is registered to 48-year-old Ngaruawahia man, John Waka GRAHAM.

Mr GRAHAM had been reported missing by his family in September and had been the subject of a number of searches, including along the Waikato River, by both Police and his family.

End

© Scoop Media