Body of missing boy found in river

The body of a 13-year-old who went missing in the Wairoa River yesterday has been found, police say.

Conan Waihi was found under a bridge by police divers shortly before 1.30pm.

He was playing with friends on the riverbank when he went into the river to retrieve a ball about 5.15pm yesterday.

Conan got into trouble and one of his friends jumped into the river to try to save him.

The friend was able to grab hold of Conan's arm, but could not hold him and he disappeared from view.

A large search of the river failed to turn up any sign of him last night, and the search resumed this morning with the assistance of the police dive squad from Wellington.

Constable Tony Maultsaid said the river was in flood, with 5cm of rain in the past 48 hours.

A foot search of the riverbank was also being carried out.

- NZPA with NZ HERALD STAFF