A man’s body has been found on Southshore beach in Christchurch this morning.

A police spokesman said the man is believed to be the swimmer who went missing at Southshore yesterday afternoon.

Police began a search yesterday with the assistance of Coastguard, Surf Life Saving, and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter after the man disappeared in the water at approximately 3:10pm.

The search was paused overnight and was set to resume this morning.

However, around 6am, Police received a report from a member of the public who discovered a body on the South Bank of Southshore.

Police have extended their sympathies to the family of the deceased. His death has been referred to the Coroner.