Body found in Christchurch river

A body has been found in a Christchurch river by police searching for a missing woman.

Police said the body was in the Avon River in the Dallington area and the area was being cordoned off. 

They had been hunting for a woman who was missing after being dragged into a stolen car later found burnt out on the northwestern outskirts of the city.

They said earlier they had grave fears for her safety and say she would have serious injuries after being run over several times.

The young woman was described as having a small build, and shoulder-length brown hair.

Heading the police inquiry involving 40 staff, Detective Senior Sergeant Tom Fitzgerald said police have had no sighting of the woman since she was pulled into the car in Chester St East, a known haunt for prostitutes, about 12.30am.

"We do have two witnesses who have described her as pleading for her life as she was hit once by the car, then four or five times more," he said. "They were horrified."

Police have no idea who the woman is and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

They are also looking for two men seen driving a stolen white two-door Honda hatchback with a sunroof that was later found burnt out in McLeans Island road, just northwest of Christchurch about 3.30am.

The car had been stolen from outside a central Christchurch property between 10.30pm and 12.30am.

Another vehicle, described as a grey stationwagon, was seen near the burnt-out Honda and police want to hear from anyone who saw either vehicle in or around the city and McLeans Island.

Mr Fitzgerald said the Honda had been seen driving around the central city for some time before 12.30am.

From witness descriptions, the young woman would be seriously injured and needing medical attention.

"We've got grave concerns for her safety," he said. "Obviously we want to confirm if this woman isn't badly injured or if she is."

Mr Fitzgerald said the two independent Chester St residents who saw the woman being run over had "good vantage points".

They had been horrified by what they saw.

The scene at the Christchurch Squash Club carpark in Chester St East "certainly does back up what the witnesses have told us," he said.

"Something has occurred there with a vehicle."

Mr Fitzgerald said police had no reports of a missing woman. Police had only a "very loose description" of the two men seen with the woman as caucasian males, he said.

Asked if she had been seen with the men earlier in the night, Mr Fitzgerald said: "It's very early to say, but there is a possibility she was seen getting into a vehicle in the city."

He said the area where the incident took place was "well-known" as an area frequented by street walkers.

However, Mr Fitzgerald said it was "too early" to consider similarities between this morning's incident and the murder of Christchurch prostitute Suzie Sutherland last April. Ms Sutherland's strangled body was found in a vacant inner-city section also known to be used by street walkers.

"We need to establish this woman's identity," he said.

"We need the public to help us... (to report) someone who hasn't turned up at home, someone who is injured."

Police have closed Chester St East and part of McLeans Island Rd and say they are likely to remain closed for some hours.

Forensic tests on the burnt-out car were being done this morning.

Mr Fitzgerald said this morning there was no indication of a body in the car.

- NZPA, HERALD ONLINE STAFF