Wellington Police locate body near Miramar Wharf

Police have this morning recovered a body of a man in his 50's near the Miramar Wharf.

Detective Inspector Paul Basham, head of the Wellington City CIB says a member of the public alerted Police this morning, after discovering the body.

"The Wellington Police Maritime Unit responded in the Police launch Lady Elizabeth III, and retrieved the body a short time later."

"Police are now conducting a scene examination and are treating this as an unexplained death until we have further information."

Detective Inspector Basham says Police are yet to identify the deceased person.

A post-mortem will be carried out on the deceased person in due course.

Police enquiries this afternoon will focus on identifying the deceased and conducting other background enquiries.

Local iwi have placed a three day rahui or prohibition from fishing or swimming in the harbour out of respect to the deceased and his family.