BREAKING: 10.35PM 

The woman reported missing from Bishopdale, Christchurch has been found and is safe.

A police spokesperson said she was located by a member of the public, who had received an emergency text alert sent out to advise locals in the area.

The 79-year-old was last seen in the Bishopdale area in Christchurch on Thursday afternoon, prompting a police search.

Police have thanked everyone who helped search.

Hundreds of good Samaritans went out looking for the woman after receiving the emergency text alert from Police.

A resident said “It was amazing and humbling to see so many good people from the community out and about with their torches, looking high and low, for the missing woman.”

Chris Lynch Media has removed the photo of the woman to protect her identity.