"Enquries into Woolston death continuing"

Christchurch Police say enquiries into an unexplained death in Woolston will continue overnight and tomorrow.

A scene examination has been under way at a location alongside the Heathcote River near Catherine Street, where a body was found this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brian Archer says Police believe they know the identity of the male, but no details will be released until his identity has been formally confirmed and next of kin have been notified. The deceased was believed to live locally.

"We expect the body will be removed from the scene later this afternoon," he says.

"A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be carried out tomorrow afternoon. Once that is concluded we may be in a better position to understand the circumstances of this incident.

"At this stage we do not know what has occurred and we can't speculate on whether the death is suspicious."

Detective Senior Sergeant Archer says investigators are continuing area enquiries in the vicinity of the scene, and are speaking to a person who is believed to have been with the deceased at some time on Thursday night.

"We are also asking for any information from the public that can assist our enquiries. If anyone has seen any activity overnight or in the early hours of this morning in the area around the Heathcote River, between Radley Street and Rutherford Street, we would ask them to contact Police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400. To provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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