Body found in drain near Wigram airfield

Police have launched an investigation after finding a body in a drain near the Wigram airfield in Christchurch.

Police confirmed today they discovered the body near the old air force base yesterday.

It was likely the person had been dead for some time.

Hornby police area controller Inspector John Doyle said the identity of the person and the cause of death were unknown.

"The body appears to have been there for some weeks," he said.

It will be removed this morning and a post-mortem will be held later today.

- NZPA