Tragedy as missing six-year-old found dead after search in Nowra

A young girl who was reported missing in southern NSW has been found dead following a desperate search to find her on Sunday.

Authorities launched a widespread search on Sunday afternoon after Airlie Montgomery, 6, was reported missing after she was last seen in North Nowra at about 2.15pm.

Police launched an appeal for public assistance to find the little girl, saying they held serious concerns for her welfare given her age and that she has a number of medical conditions.

She was last seen wearing a hot pink jumpsuit and no shoes.

However in a tragic turn of events, a body was found in bushland in North Nowra on Sunday afternoon.

The body has yet to be formally identified but police said it is believed to be that of the missing girl.

NSW Police said an investigation into the incident has commenced and a report will be prepared for the coroner.