Body found in the Avon River, death not suspicious

A body has been found in the Avon River in Christchurch this morning.

Emergency services raced to the city centre just before 11am on Friday.

The body was found in the river at the botanic gardens near North Hagley Park off Riccarton Ave.

Police have brought stretchers, gumboots and waders into the cordoned off area. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton

Cordons were put in place as police including CIB and forensic teams conducted a scene examination.

"At this stage of the investigation there is nothing to suggest the death is suspicious," said Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnson.

"Police will continue to conduct enquiries over the coming days to determine the full circumstances of what occurred.

"Cordons are expected to be lifted in the coming hours."

Police, Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz), and St John have been called to the scene.

The body was found near Christchurch Hospital. Photo: George Heard

Fenz southern shift manager Bailey Wells said they received a request for assistance from St John about 10.50am.

Wells said a fire truck was assisting police and St John at the scene.

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