Police believe they have found the body of missing 21-year-old Christchurch man Braydon Hepworth.

The body was discovered during a search warrant at a residential property on  Hereford Street in Christchurch this morning.

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson, Christchurch Metro Crime, said formal identification procedures were under way.

The death is being treated as unexplained, with a post-mortem examination scheduled for tomorrow.

“This is a devastating outcome for his family, and our hearts go out to them. We are providing them with support at this extremely difficult time.”

Hepworth was last seen at the Z Energy service station in Linwood on September 3.

“While this is not the outcome we hoped for, there is a small comfort in being able to bring him home,” Anderson said.

A large police presence remains in the area, with officers expected to remain at the property for several days.

Police are continuing to investigate Hepworth’s movements and are speaking with several people assisting their enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 105, quoting reference 260918/8420.