Ashburton police were at a Cass Street house today, where a major crime scene investigation is underway.
The body of a woman is believed to be at the house, but police could not say if a homicide inquiry had begun.
Senior sergeant Grant Russell said more details would likely be released this afternoon and that an investigation was in its infancy.
The town was rife with rumours today and the house on Cass Street is under guard. Cass Street between Peters and Cox Streets has been cordoned off and scene tape seals off a white house, with one car parked in the driveway and another on the road.
Neighbours are able to come and go but other traffic is restricted on the street, just one block from the main road and a major supermarket.
Earlier in the day four forensic officers were seen at the house and a crime scene investigation caravan is parked across the street from the house under guard.
- Linda Clarke of the Ashburton Guardian
