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Police have launched a homicide investigation after a woman was found dead at a Christchurch property on Wednesday morning.
Officers swarmed the flat off Purchas St near Elderwood Lane in Edgeware just before 6am. Six police vehicles were still at the scene at 10am and the property has been cordoned off.
Police have been moving equipment, including tarpaulins and tents, onto the property near Elderwood Lane.
“Upon arrival, a woman was located deceased,” Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie said.
“A second person who was at the address is currently assisting police with enquiries.
“Police are not seeking anybody else in relation to this incident, and there is not believed to be any risk to public safety.”
The call-out was for a homicide and the police event category was listed as “violence”.
"A scene guard is in place, residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area,” Baillie said.
“Staff will also be conducting reassurance patrols in the coming days.”
Neighbour Catherine Freebairne said police were called to a domestic incident at the unit last night.
Her neighbour had told her he heard 10 “good loud bangs” about 3am.
Freebairne said it was "actually embarrassing with all these cop cars on the street".
She said there was a small party at another unit on Elderwood Lane on Tuesday afternoon. But she believes the party was unrelated to the incident.
Freebairne claimed the deceased woman had caused trouble with neighbours in the past by banging on their windows. She also claimed the woman had once attacked her with a knife.
Freebairne said she was not frightened by the incident but the police cordon was “inconvenient”.
Officers have been searching bins and a car in front of the property. Empty alcohol boxes and rubbish bags can be seen outside the property.
More to come...