Homicide probe after body found

A homicide investigation has been opened after a man’s body was found in the Waimakariri River bed in Canterbury on Monday night.

Detective Inspector Greg Murton said that the evidence was clear that it was a homicide.

However, he wouldn’t comment on the nature of the injuries or if a weapon was involved.

The man’s body was found just before 10pm near Harrs Rd, North Canterbury.

Next of kin were advised yesterday and a post-mortem will be held today.

The area is under police guard and a forensic examina- tion would take place over the next few days, Murton said.

The cordon at Harrs Rd is in an isolated area surrounded by green fields and lifestyle blocks, located just off South Eyre Rd, Swannanoa.

Residents on the road said they were only made aware of the discovery when they saw it in the news.

One resident recalled the murder of Marie Davis in April 2008. The 15-year-old’s body was found in a similar part of the Waimakariri River 11 days after she went missing.

“You just feel very sad for all the people who are touched by such a tragedy . . . It’s just horrid.”

She said the area was usually pretty safe although she would not walk along the river on her own. She had been watching the election debate that night and had not heard anything, she said.

Another resident said he went for a walk down the road about 5pm and didn’t notice anything unusual.

Police would like to hear from anybody who was near Harrs Rd and South Eyre Rd on Monday between 8pm and 10.30pm.

Anyone with information can phone Christchurch Police on (03) 363 7400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.