Rural death a ‘homicide’

A homicide investigation has been launched after a body was found in rural Canterbury.

Detective Inspector Corrie Parnell said one person died and initial enquiries suggested an altercation between two men at Grange Rd, Charing Cross in the Selwyn district about 3.30pm yesterday.

Armed police were last night guarding two scenes including a house and another property up the road where the body was found.

Officers said the guard would remain in place overnight and a full scene investigation would start this morning.

Spokespeople for the New Zealand Fire Service and St John spokeswoman confirmed they attended the incident, but would not comment further.