Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves gives an update on a homicide investigation in Christchurch, asking for sightings of a white Toyota after a man was found dead on Carisbrooke St, Aranui.
Video / Sam Sherwood
Police are continuing to search for those responsible for the death of a man whose body was found on a street in Christchurch.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves earlier said police were called after a 38-year-old was found dead on Carisbrooke St, near Portchester St in Aranui, about 2.28am on Thursday.
The Herald understands no arrests have been made as of this morning.
Reeves said police wanted to hear about any sightings of the Toyota, registration LEQ895. She also asked for anyone with any other information to come forward.
The vehicle of interest was within the police cordon, but Reeves said police were uncertain of who had been using it and wanted sightings from within the past day.
In a letter to nearby residents from Detective Sergeant Dion Murray, police asked people for any video footage between the hours of 12pm on January 3 and 3am on January 4.
The letter also asked anyone who heard or saw anything at about 1.30am on January 4 to contact police.
Reeves said police weren’t in a position to release the man’s name as they were still telling his family members about his death.
“I would also like to say and express my sympathies to the deceased’s family and we would also like to express our thanks to the residents on the street,” she said.
“Local residents can expect to see a large police presence in the area as a scene examination and area inquiries will commence this morning.”
There were cordons in place while this took place, she said.
“Our focus is now on establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and notifying and supporting the victim’s family at this difficult time.
Police were not in a position to release details of the deceased.
“We are continuing to make inquiries, but also want to encourage anyone with information to get in contact with us.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has information that could assist, is urged to contact Police on 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 clicking “Update Report”.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A resident said the first they knew of the incident was when they saw police cars. Photo / Sam Sherwood
Two police tents could be seen at the scene, along with several police officers in white boiler suits.
A resident told the Herald they did not hear anything of concern overnight, and did not know there had been an incident until they saw a large number of police cars.
Sam Sherwood is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers crime. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2022, and has worked as a journalist for 10 years.
