Nelson searchers find woman's body

Police say Ann Sheridan's death is not being treated as suspicious. File photo / Martin Sykes

Searchers have found the body of Nelson woman Ann Sheridan in dense bushland near the city.

Police say the body has been formally identified and the next of kin informed after the discovery yesterday afternoon.

Ms Sheridan's death is not being treated as suspicious, a police spokeswoman said.

The discovery of her body followed a significant search of areas she was known to frequent in Nelson since the 48-year-old was last seen on Monday.

Area Commander Steve Greally said a large team of police had worked tirelessly.

"While this is not the result we all hoped for we are pleased to get closure for Ann's friends and family," he said.

Police and search and rescue volunteers yesterday went door-to-door in Ms Sheridan's neighbourhood looking for clues to her whereabouts.

Residents in the Mount St area were told to expect searchers to visit them.

More than 40 police and volunteers had previously been involved in a grid search of areas around Wakapuaka Cemetery, the hill to the Centre of New Zealand, and around Miyazu Park and Whakatu Marae.