Homicide inquiry launched after body found in burnt out flat

A homicide investigation has been launched following the discovery of a body inside a burnt out Christchurch flat this morning.

Police were called to a block of flats in Selwyn St about 2.30am.

A flat was ablaze, and after the fire service put out the fire, police found a dead person inside the property, Detective Annie Sullivan said.

The fire was being treated as suspicious and a positive line of inquiry was being followed, she said.

The person had not yet been formally identified, and next of kin had yet to be told.

A forensic investigation was underway.

- NZPA