Bodies confirmed to be missing women

Missing Christchurch pair Selina Madden, left, and her mother Marilyn. Photo / Supplied

Christchurch police have confirmed that the two bodies found in a car on the Port Hills yesterday were a missing mother and daughter.

Marilyn Adele Zidich, 62, and her daughter Selina Adele Madden, 34, both of Belfast, were last seen alive on Thursday.

Their vehicle, a grey Fiat Tipo hatchback, was found during a foot search yesterday morning in dense scrub, about 70 metres below Dyers Pass Road.

Formal identification was completed today and the deaths have now been referred to the Coroner.

The vehicle is now being examined by VTNZ.

The family of the two women have express their thanks to police for the "efficient and considerate manner" in which the matter has been handled.

"We want to thank everyone who helped with the searches for their time and efforts.

"We are also grateful to members of the public for coming forward and offering assistance, and to the media for keeping the search in the public eye."

- HERALD ONLINE