Police investigating death on Christchurch street

Police are investigating an unexplained death in Matipo Street, Riccarton, which was reported about 3.50am on Tuesday.

Part of the street is cordoned off while a scene examination takes place.

The police cordon is outside Wharenui School, near Blenheim Rd, beside Wharenui Swiming Pool and Sports Centre.

Medical equipment can be seen strewn across the road on the corner of Matipo St and Elizabeth St.

Five red and yellow soft jump packs can be seen open with masks, gloves and bandages at the intersection near traffic lights and on the footpath.

A police forensics tent is covering the section of road where the medical equipment and some blood could be seen on the ground.

Police staff are now inspecting the scene.

Neighbours in the area say they came outside in the early hours of this morning to see what was going on after hearing several loud noises followed by police sirens.

Wharenui School has told parents that the school is open despite the cordons being in place

“Unfortunately there has been an incident overnight in Riccarton on the corner of Elizabeth and Matipo Streets (on the opposite side of the road to the pool). Please be prepared to come into school from Rex Street or Blenheim Road end.”

A mobile police station arrived at the scene on Matipo St around the same time school busses were set to take Wharenui School students to their school camp.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.