Body found in search for missing boy Alex Fisher

(THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD)The body of a boy believed to be missing 10-year-old Alex Fisher has been found.

A homicide investigation was now underway, Manawatu area commander Inspector Sarah Stewart said at a media conference this afternoon.

The boy's body was seen in the Waitarere Beach area, spotted by a helicopter at around 1pm.

The area where Alex was found is close to the beach along the sand dunes. It is south of the main beach entrance.

A ground search team found his body.Alex's family were "devastated by the news," Inspector Sarah Stewart said."Obviously this is absolutely the worst outcome."

The cause of the boy's death was yet to be established.

Ms Stewart said the area around the boy's body had been cordoned off.

"There's considerable work ahead of us as we begin our homicide investigation. Our investigation is likely to take some time as we build up a picture of the events that have led to this tragic outcome."

Ms Stewart said police would now focus on the homicide investigation and coronial process.

She again appealed to any members of the public who saw Alex and his adult brother Eric on or before Monday night to immediately contact police.