UPDATED 3.33PM: Police have identified the body pulled from the Waikato River this morning.

Forensic evidence has helped police identify the body as that of a 38-year-old Hamilton man who had been missing since August 20.

Hamilton Police are looking for a body in the Waikato River. Photo: File.

Detective Paul Van der Zee were called to the eastern bank of the Waikato River near Comries Ave about 7.30am.

'A member of the public reported seeing what appeared to be a body in the river and the Police rescue boat was launched to help conduct a recovery operation.

'Following on from the successful recovery of the body a number of forensic examinations have been carried out which have enabled us to identify the person as being a 38-year-old Hamilton man reported missing from his home on August 20.”

Paul says officers are currently working with the deceased's next of kin and family.

Earlier:

Police have recovered a body from the Waikato River this morning.

A recovery operation was launched following a sighting of a body from a member of the public.

Senior Sergeant Damion Rangitutia says a member of the public called police in relation to what appeared to be a body floating north in the Waikato River near Comries Avenue.

'The Police rescue boat has been launched and is currently at the scene in the vicinity of Swarbrick Landing conducting a recovery operation,” confirms Damion.

'The operation has necessitated a closure of the walkway on the east side of the Waikato River.”

Waikato Police communications manager Andrew McAlley says police are working on identifying the body and are looking at any missing person reports to help.

Anyone with information that may lead to the identification of the body are asked to contact their nearest police station.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.