13 May 2010

Body found in ravine near Whanganui highway

8:01 pm on 13 May 2010

Police investigating the disappearance of Whanganui woman have found a body in a ravine.

They say it is too early to confirm whether it that of Marice McGregor, 45, but the discovery may be linked to her disappearance.

The body was discovered in dense bush 20km north of Whanganui near State Highway 4 on Wednesday evening. A helicopter was used to retrieve it on Thursday.

Ms McGregor was last seen on 19 April collecting pine cones in the Lismore forest, 20km from Whanganui, where her car was found abandoned.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gwynne Pennell says it is a difficult time for the McGregor family and it has requested privacy.

Ms Pennell says police still want to hear of vehicle movements along State Highway 4 on or about 19 April.