Body found after fire at Christchurch flat

The body was located inside a self-contained flat at the rear of the property today, police said. Photo / File

A body has been found inside a Christchurch flat devastated by fire yesterday.

The body was found by police and fire investigators while examining the scene of a fire that happened in the early hours at a Rutherford St address in Woolston.

It was located inside a self-contained flat at the rear of the property today, police said.

"The flat has been extensively damaged and at the time of the fire was believed to have been vacant," police said.

The body is yet to be identified.

A post-mortem examination will take place tomorrow.

"The focus of the investigation is identifying the unknown person and determining how the fire started," police said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information or images is asked to contact Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 363 7400.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org