Woman found dead in Methven a mother of five

Canterbury Police are investigating the death of a woman in her thirties in Methven. Image / Google

Police are investigating the death of a young mother of five at a property in Methven.

The name of the woman, in her 30s, had not yet been released by police but the Herald understands she is Hollie Kereru.

Investigators and forensic staff will continue examining the property, which remains under a scene guard cordon, into tomorrow. A post-mortem had been carried out today.

Emergency services were first called to a house on Main St about 9.30am yesterday.

But, Inspector Dave Gaskin, Area Commander for Mid-South Canterbury, said there was no danger to the public following this incident.

The property borders the Our Lady of the Snows School and Our Lady of the Snows Church.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said the Kereru had lived in the presbytery - a large property that once housed the local Catholic priest but was now rented out to others.

The neighbour said she "heard nothing" on Friday night.

"No one knows quite the story but the greatest sadness is that she is the young mother of five children," she said.

"It's a story that has rattled our little town.

"Everyone is talking about it but nobody knows because the whole area is cordoned off."

Yesterday, police said her death was unexplained.