Murder weapon found in Christchurch homicide case

Police investigating the killing of a Christchurch man have found the murder weapon.

Maru Tuaputa, also known as Maru George, 33, was fatally stabbed in the city's red light district about midnight on Monday.

Detective Inspector Malcolm Johnston said today a weapon, believed to be that used to stab Mr Tuaputa, had been recovered after an extensive scene search by police.

"We have also found an object, which I cannot elaborate on, which will link the offender to the scene," he said.

A police car came across Mr Tuaputa stumbling in the grounds of St Luke's Anglican Church on Manchester and Kilmore streets with serious injuries on Monday night. He spoke briefly to police before collapsing.

Mr Tuaputa indicated he had been stabbed and an ambulance was called but he died soon after arrival at hospital.

Mr Johnston said police were seeking a man who arrived at the grounds of St Luke's with the victim on Monday night.

"He arrived around midnight with Maru George (Mr Tuaputa) but has not come forward to identify himself," Mr Johnston said.

"We'd like to speak to him because we think he may have valuable information -- we don't believe he is involved," he said.

"When police arrived, a lot of people at the scene took off and not all have contacted us to identify themselves. "

Yesterday Mr Johnston said it seemed there had been an altercation involving two people but police did not know what the motive for the attack might have been.

In March last year residents living in the area met prostitute representatives to air concerns over the impact of the trade on their neighbourhood.

Among the nuisances listed by residents were increased rubbish -- including condoms, needles and bottles -- noise, loitering clients and minders, vandalism and sex acts in public view.

- NZPA