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Police have launched a homicide investigation after a woman was found dead at a Christchurch flat on Wednesday morning.
Officers swarmed the property on Elderwood Lane near Purchas St in Edgeware just before 6am. The area has been cordoned off with at least six police vehicles and a large team of investigators still at the scene on Wednesday morning.
Neighbours spoken to by Allied Media say they heard 10 “good loud bangs” about 3am.
Police have been moving equipment, including tarpaulins and tents, onto the property.
“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.”
A homicide investigation is under way and a scene guard was in place, Baillie said.
"Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.
“Staff will also be conducting reassurance patrols in the coming days.”
Officers have been searching rubbish bins and a car at the front of the house. Empty alcohol boxes and rubbish bags can be seen outside.
One neighbour said police were called to a domestic incident at the property.
She said some of her neighbours heard 10 “good loud bangs” about 3am.
The neighbour 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 believed the party was unrelated to the incident.
She also claimed the deceased woman had previously caused trouble with neighbours in the past by banging on their windows.
The neighbour said she was not frightened by the incident but the police cordon was “inconvenient”.
A family with a young child staying at an Airbnb across the road said they only became aware of the incident when a reporter knocked on their door.
They said it was unfortunate the incident had happened on their trip.
-Allied Media