A body has been found in the search for a missing five-year-old boy near Tiniroto, west of Gisborne.
It comes after Khyzah was reported missing yesterday afternoon, with hundreds of people searching for him.
Police confirmed that the body of a boy, believed to be Khyzah, was recovered from a pond on a Tiniroto property.
Police search and rescue, land search and rescue, volunteers and members of the public were involved in the search, as were dogs and a helicopter.
Inspector Darren Paki called it a “sad end” to a huge search effort.
“This is obviously not the outcome we, the searchers, and the community were hoping for, and our hearts go out to Khyzah’s whānau and all those who loved him,” Paki said.
“I would like to thank everyone in the community who has contributed to this effort, whether it was actively searching or simply providing kai and kind words.
“We have a wonderful tight-knit community here, and we see the best of it in situations like this.”
Police said Khyzah’s whānau would be offered “appropriate support” as they come to terms with what happened.
His death will be referred to the coroner.
