Man arrested over alleged rape, blackmail

A Christchurch man has been arrested as part of a police investigation into the alleged rape, and blackmail of a victim using a video recording.

Police said a 20-year-old man from Rangiora was arrested overnight.

He appeared in Christchurch District Court this morning charged with blackmail, two counts of threatening to kill, two counts of unlawful sexual connection with a female aged 12-16 and two counts of rape of a female aged 12-16. Police said he was remanded in custody before his next appearance in May.

Police were working with, and arranging, ongoing support for the victim, and have asked anyone with information in relation to the investigation to contact them on 03 363 7400, or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NZME.