Body found in Christchurch river

A man's body was discovered in the Waimakariri River, about 12km north of Christchurch, this morning.

Inspector Bob Palmer of Police Southern Communications said they were unsure if there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the man's death.

Mr Palmer said the body was discovered under the Old South Road overbridge at 8am today by a member of the public.

At the moment police did not know how long the body had been there, Mr Palmer said.

Christchurch police spokeswoman Maggie Leask said it would be "some time" before the body was moved from the river.

- NZPA