Melissa Jones named as dead woman found in Lake Rotorua

Police search Lake Rotorua on Friday before finding the body of Melissa Jones. Photo / File

A woman whose body was plucked from the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua was a fun-loving young Rotorua mum.

Police have named the dead woman as 25-year-old Melissa Merika Jones.

Her friends and family have expressed an outpouring of grief for Jones on her Facebook page, with some calling for justice for those who "did this to her". However, police are staying tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Rotorua area manager of investigations Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen said police extended their sympathy to Jones' family during this difficult time.

Police are keeping details about the case under wraps but continue to treat the case as "unexplained". They would not comment on whether the case was suspicious or a homicide inquiry.

They would also not comment as to what the cause of death was, saying they were awaiting post mortem examination results.

"We are working to piece together the circumstances leading up towards the death, " Van Kempen said.

However, Van Kempen said police wanted to hear from anyone who had any information about Jones' death, no matter how insignificant or small they thought the information was.

Information can be passed on by calling Rotorua police on (07) 349 9400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555 111.

Jones' body was found on the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua. Her funeral was held at Te Takinga Marae yesterday.Tributes are flowing for the young mum on her Facebook page with one person commenting: "I have a final prayer for you Melissa Jones ... for justice to prevail".

Another person posted: "Rest easy now our little mischief ... I'm so f****** sad for you and the babies."