Peter Buckingham’s body found by police after the 75-year-old man was reported missing at Coffs Harbour

A much-loved 75-year-old retiree whose body was found in thick bush in Coffs Harbour knew the area well, according to his devastated young grandson.

The body of Peter Buckingham, 75, was found in bushland at West Coffs Harbour late on the night of May 24. Picture: Chris Knight

A much-loved 75-year-old retiree whose body was found in thick bushland in Coffs Harbour overnight knew the area well, according to his devastated young grandson.

Kieran Lantry, 17, said his grandpa Peter Buckingham “was the nicest man you could meet”.

NSW Police, including specialist investigators, were on scene at the bush corridor which snakes along a creekland in West Coffs on Thursday.

Mr Buckingham was reported missing to Coffs/Clarence Police by concerned family members about 10.45am on Wednesday, after he was last seen at a Coriedale Dr home about 7.15pm on Tuesday.

75-year-old Coffs Harbour Peter Buckingham's body was located near Hampshire Close on May 24 after he was reported missing.

A public appeal was issued just before 6pm on Wednesday. Police confirmed in a statement about 11pm that officers found a body while attending Mr Buckingham’s home to conduct inquiries about 6.30pm.

Mr Buckingham was found just 30 metres from the nearest up-market homes in Hampshire Cl.

No cause of death had been established by Thursday evening.

Police have launched a critical incident investigation, with Mid-North Coast Police District investigating the circumstances of Mr Buckingham’s death.

The investigation will be independently reviewed and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Kieran was seen walking the bushland this morning, trying to process the tragedy.

The teen said he, his brothers and grandpa had played in the area for years.

Mr Buckingham's grandson, Kieran Lantry. Picture: Chris Knight

“When we were kids we used to come down here all the time and muck around,” he said.

Kieran said his grandfather lived nearby and was a retired electrician.

“He loved his walks,” Kieran said.

“He was the nicest man you could meet and always generous.”

Residents in Hampshire Cl were shocked to see emergency services pour into their quiet little street on Wednesday night.

“There were two SES (State Emergency Service) trucks with full crew. With all the lights and commotion last night I just thought this isn’t good,” a resident said.

She said a creek ran through the area and was deep in parts.

The nature reserve is taped off and secured by Coffs police officers. Picture: Chris Knight

“There’s a rope swing down there, but you have to know where you are going,” she said.

The area is signed as a Landcare bush regeneration site. It is heavily treed, steep and slippery.

Police investigators arrived at the scene late on Thursday morning and applied insect repellent before walking carefully down into the area from Hampshire Cl.

Kieran said he was at work when his mum received a call from police about 11pm to inform her they had found a body believed to be that of Mr Buckingham.

Mr Buckingham was reported missing about 10.45am on Wednesday and police issued an appeal for help to find him just before 6pm.

“When family or friends were unable to contact or locate him, officers attached to Coffs Harbour Police were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him,” the statement read.

A Mid North Coast Police District critical incident team is investigating the circumstances of Mr Buckingham’s death.

The investigation will be independently reviewed and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.