Police searching for missing woman Barbara Ann Quinn have launched a homicide investigation, after finding a body

The body was found in a vehicle in rural Greymouth about 2:30 yesterday afternoon, believed to be that of the 41-year-old.

Police also found a man nearby with moderate injuries, who was taken to hospital and remains under Police guard.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kirsten Norton says they held serious concerns for Quinn's safety and this is the worst possible outcome.

She says a homicide enquiry is now underway as they work to establish what happened.

Norton says they believe it's an isolated incident and are not looking for anyone else.