Two held after death
A Christchurch house being searched in the wake of a suspected homicide was raided by police in August in their search for a Black Power member.
A man in his 30s has died after an assault at a separate home in Skerten Ave, Hornby, about 7.45pm on Sunday.
Cordons remained in place at the property, near Shands Rd, yesterday.
Officers have also been examining a property in Wilton Cres, Bishopdale, as part of their homicide investigation.
Nine police staff in boiler suits could be seen outside the brick home yesterday afternoon erecting a tent in the driveway.
Neighbours spoken to by The Press said the property was raided several times in August in a search for patched Black Power member Liam Strickland after he allegedly fatally struck a pedestrian in New Brighton.
One neighbour, who declined to be named, said he woke about 3am on Sunday to see a tow truck reversing out of the driveway with a white Holden Commodore on the back.
The neighbour believed a woman lived at the house with her boyfriend, some children and the woman’s father.
The woman who lived at the property recently told the neighbour she was pregnant. He said the woman claimed there had been issues at the property in recent weeks with her exboyfriend sneaking up the driveway and throwing a brick through the front window and smashing a car window.
Yesterday, two people were remanded in custody charged with burglary in relation to the man’s death.
Acting Detective Inspector Mike Ford said the alleged assault was believed to be an isolated event between people known to one other and police were not seeking anyone else.
However, police would like to hear from anyone with relevant information.
They particularly wanted to hear from anyone who may have seen a white Holden Commodore parked in Skerten Ave between 7.30pm and 7.45pm on Sunday evening.
A man appeared in the Christchurch District Court yesterday morning charged with burglary.
He pleaded not guilty and elected trial by jury.
Judge Alistair Garland granted the man interim name suppression and remanded him in custody to January 22.
A woman charged with burglary of the property was remanded in custody without plea to November 4, for an appearance by video-link. She was granted interim name suppression until her next appearance.
Anyone with information about Sunday’s incident is asked to call police on 03 363 7400, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.