Body of girl swept out to sea found

Emily Branje
Emily Branje
A body found at the mouth of the Grey River on the West Coast is believed to be that of missing Christchurch girl Emily Branje.

Police said today the body had been found at the mouth of the river near Cobden after being alerted about 8.30am.

"While formal identification is still to be carried out, we believe it is nine-year-old Emily Branje".

The nine-year-old girl who has not been seen since she was swept away during a whitebaiting expedition at the mouth of the Hokitika River, was visiting from Christchurch.

Police said yesterday Emily Branje, had arrived to spend the school holidays with extended family in Hokitika.

Emily's parents said through the police they were in "shock and grief" for the loss of their only child.

"This is a tragic, incomprehensible time for us and we request privacy while we come to terms with what has happened."

Senior sergeant Brent Cook, of Greymouth police, said they were continuing to support family though the difficult time and were not giving up the search.

Search efforts continued overnight on Thursday and a search of the river mouth was conducted at low tide.