Man's body found in Stratford river

File photo / NZ Herald

A man's body has been found in a Stratford river.

Officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Inspector Marc Hercock said Stratford police were investigating the unexplained death of the man after he was found in the Patea River, near King Edward Park late last night.

"Police were notified around 10.30pm last night by the man's friends who came across his body in the river.

"A post mortem is scheduled for tomorrow morning and at this stage the cause of death remains unexplained."

Police believed the man was aged in his mid-thirties, Mr Hercock said.

"We are in the process of interviewing witnesses and a scene examination is underway.

"One of our main priorities is formally identifying the man and informing his next of kin."

Victim Support services were being offered to the man's friends, Mr Hercock said.

Business owner Ivan Toopi of Olympus Gym, whose property backs onto the park's rugby grounds, said there had been a heavy police presence since early this morning.

"I have seen police cars going back and forth all day. They haven't said anything to me yet, just asked me to open the gate for them.''