The family of murdered Christchurch schoolgirl Jade Bayliss is homeless after their home was damaged by fire.
The 13-year-old's body was found in a burning house in Barrington St, Somerfield last Thursday afternoon while she was home, off sick from school.
While police continue their inquiries into the young teen's murder, her family home has become a crime scene and her loved ones are dossing with relatives in the city.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Rae of Christchurch Police said a shortage of accommodation after the Canterbury earthquakes has meant the family are struggling to find a new home ahead of Jade's funeral this Sunday.
Mr Rae, a lead investigator on the probe, said: "It's a very difficult situation, which is far from ideal. The house they're staying at is not a big house and there's quite a few there, so clearly, in the short term it's not really a problem, but it can't go on and on.
"They do have their insurance company helping them, but there is such a shortage of accommodation because of the earthquakes and the central city out of action.
"They are obviously distraught over what has happened. The family and wee kids need to be as settled as they can, and get them back into school life. It will be a difficult time for the next few weeks before things iron themselves out a little bit and they get into some accommodation and get some sort of normality back into their life.''
Jade's funeral is being held at the Westpark Chapel on Wairakei Rd, Christchurch on Sunday afternoon.
Members of mum Tina's family have travelled from England to Christchurch.
A funeral notice posted by the family says that Jade was "tragically taken from us.''
It describes her as a "precious and dearly loved daughter'' of parents Tina and Gary, and a "big loving sister of Amber and Harvey.''
Jeremy McLaughlin, 34, appeared in court this week charged with the murder of Jade, as well charges of arson and burglary.
A second man, 40, also appeared in court charged with being an accessory after the fact. He was denied interim name suppression by a judge, but that decision is under appeal.
The police investigation continues.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rae said there remained "quite a lot'' of work to be carried out.
He added: "There is still a good team working on it and we anticipate that all next week we will be as busy as bees. After that we will review how many staff and what resources will needed to continue on.''
