Body found in search of missing Christchurch woman Elisabeth 'Lis' Nicholls
Photo:
Supplied
Police have found a body believed to be of Elisabeth Nicholls, who was also known as 'Lis'.
The body was found in a property in central Christchurch's Gracefield Avenue area at 1pm Sunday.
Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan said formal identification was yet to take place, but believed it was the 79-year-old, who was reported missing from the suburb of Riccarton on 4 June.
Nicholls suffered from dementia and disappeared after walking out of the Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village.
She had been admitted to the facility for respite care on the same day she disappeared.
Canterbury Police - along with Land Search and Rescue volunteers - had scoured areas in the city to locate Elisabeth.
The last confirmed sighting of her was at the Chateau on the Park in Riccarton at 7.54pm the same day.
Vaughan hoped the discovery would help provide some closure for her family and loved ones.
He said his thoughts were with them at this incredibly difficult time and thanked everyone who helped in the search for their efforts.
In a statement, Nicholls' family said they were very saddened and relieved Lis had been found.
They said they were very grateful for everyone's efforts looking for her, particularly the police and so many members of the Christchurch public.
The death will be referred to the coroner.
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