Police try to identify cyclist's body

Hamilton police are trying to identify a woman found dead in a creek with a bicycle yesterday morning.

Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton, of Hamilton, said a member of the public found the woman's body in knee deep water in Waitawhiriwhiri Stream, in Edgecumbe Park, Hamilton, at 11.35am yesterday.

"It appears she was riding a bike at a fair speed down the steep path, skid marks at the scene suggest she's failed to negotiate a corner and struck a tree before coming to a rest in the stream. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner while we try and identify her."

The woman was Maori or Polynesian, believed to be in her thirties, had distinctive frizzy short to medium-length hair, and was of medium build about 176cm tall, Mr Thornton said.

"She was found wearing a black T-shirt and blue knee length shorts with a light green Tiki necklace around her neck. We're urging anyone who knows someone matching that description to contact us so we can rule them out of our inquiries," said Mr Thornton.

Anyone who believes they know the identity of the woman is asked to contact Mr Thornton at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

- NZHERALD STAFF