Christchurch house fire sparks murder investigation

A post mortem conducted yesterday confirmed that the man was dead before the fire started. Photo / Thinkstock

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a house fire at Oxford on Wednesday in which a 28-year-old man died.

Two men were arrested today on charges unrelated to the death, police said.

The dead man - believed to be Sameera Chandrasena, a 28-year-old Sri Lankan who was the sole occupant of the Domain Road house - is yet to be formally identified.

"As a result of our enquiries two men were arrested early this morning on charges which are not related to the death," said Detective Inspector Virginia Le Bas says.

"Both men were known to the deceased.:

"One man has been arrested on unrelated assault charges and was remanded in custody until 5 March after an appearance this morning.

"The other man has been detained on immigration matters.

"The enquiry is continuing and we expect further charges relating to the death and the arson will be laid."

A post mortem conducted yesterday confirmed that the man died from injuries consistent with an assault, and that he was dead before the fire started.

Searches will be conducted around Bealey Avenue, Springfield Road, Holly Road and Manchester Street in St Albalns today, as police look for clothing and property which may have been discarded.

A team of 25 staff are working on the investigation, with forensic examination at the Oxford expected to last several days.

- NZ HERALD STAFF