Teen girl assaulted before fatal fire

13-year-old Jade Bayliss. Photo / Supplied

According to Christchurch Police, murder victim Jade Bayliss was "subject to an assault" before the fatal fire. Police are still working to determine whether the fire played a part in her death.

Detective Inspector Greg Williams says that as part of the ongoing enquiry into Jade's death, Police are interested in the movements of two men who were arrested on Thursday night and are currently before the courts.

"These two men are known to the deceased's family," says Detective Inspector Williams. "One of them drives a light green Mitsubishi Diamante station wagon which we believe was in the vicinity of the of the Barrington Street house on Thursday morning.

"We are very interested to hear from anyone who may have seen a vehicle of this description in the area near the house or around the southern end of Barrington Street."

Police are also carrying out a scene examination and talking to neighbours of an address in Defoe Place, Waltham, where the two men lived.

Detective Inspector Williams says that although the movements of the two men are of interest, the homicide enquiry remains open and police are not ruling out the involvement of other people in the girl's death.

"Our focus today has been at the Barrington Street house where Jade's body was found. This includes looking at whether any property has been removed from the house, and we are talking with the family about that aspect of the enquiry.

"We are also trying to piece together the events at the house between 7am, when Jade's mother last saw her, and 1.25pm when the Fire Service were called to the address.

"We have continued canvassing residents in the area around the house during the weekend. The house is next to Cashmere High School which is a busy location, and a focus for us early next week will be talking to pupils and users of the school who may have seen any comings and goings around the house."

Detective Inspector Williams says forensic work to determine the cause of death is continuing. "It is clear that the victim has been subject to an assault," he says. "However we are still working to determine whether the fire has played a part in her death."

Police scene examiners and ESR staff are still working at the Barrington Street location, and Detective Inspector Williams says this phase is likely to continue until Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

"It a difficult scene to work in as the fire has caused damage which is complicating the examination process."

The parents of murder victim Jade Bayliss are devastated by the loss of their daughter.

This evening, they released a statement through Christchurch Police saying "Our family are devastated at the loss of our beautiful daughter Jade. We are distraught that this has occurred.

"We ask for privacy at this sad time, to help us grieve.

"We also ask that if anyone has information that could assist the Police investigation, please come forward and talk to the Police."

Anyone with information about the vehicle or other activity in the vicinity of the house is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400, or to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.