Arrest made in Marie Davis murder inquiry (+ photos)

Marie Davis

A 38-year-old Christchurch man has been arrested and charged with the murder and sexual violation of Christchurch teen Marie Davis.

The man will appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow.

Detective Senior Sergeant Virginia Le Bas said the arrest was the result of a large amount of information from the public and police work over the past three weeks.

She would not comment on whether further charges could be laid or if anyone else was being sought in relation to Marie's death.

Marie's family has been told of the arrest and their response was "mixed emotion".

"At least it's a little bit of relief that they have some answers," Ms Le Bas said.

She would not comment on whether the person was known to Marie.

Police are also yet to reveal how the teenager died.

Police still need to build their case against the arrested man and Ms Le Bas said police wanted more information about a silver Mitsubishi Galant in the area of the Waimakariri River and Northcote on April 6 .

The car and people connected with it remained one of the main focuses of the continuing investigation into Marie's death.

The 15-year-old Papanui High School student was buried following a moving funeral service last week after her body was found submerged in the Waimakariri River, north of Christchurch, on April 17, nearly three weeks after she disappeared from her suburban Papanui home.

Marie was last seen entering her home after being dropped off by a friend's mother about 6pm on April 6.

Her older sister, Amy, reported her missing about 8am the following day.

Marie was farewelled last week by more than 400 people, including police, at the Hornby Presbyterian Church.

- with NZPA