Series of murders puts pressure on police

Canterbury police today admitted its resources were stretched following the fifth homicide in the district this year, but assured the public priority jobs would be responded to.

A homicide investigation was launched this morning after a man's body was found in Stanmore Rd, near the central city.

Canterbury police were coping well with the inquiry and re-prioritising its workload, District Commander Superintendent Sandra Manderson said.

"Yes, it does stretch resources, but the Canterbury Police District CIB has a very experienced management team and criminal investigation staff," she said in a statement.

CIB staff were being assisted by general duties staff and traffic officers.

Police were not bringing in staff from outside the district "at this stage".

"However it is a possibility," she said.

Ms Manderson added: "The public can have confidence in the Canterbury District Police. We do not want them to have a fear of crime. We are still responding to our priority jobs as usual."

Police are continuing investigations into the murder of 36-year-old prostitute Susie Sutherland whose naked body was found in central Christchurch on April 16.

Nicola Hackell was killed on Easter Sunday and police have requested a psychiatric report on her former partner Nicholas Robert Marsh, 37, who has been accused of her murder.

Maru Tuaputa, otherwise known as Maru George, 33, died after being stabbed on the grounds of St Luke's Church on March 1.

In the same week a man was also charged with the murder of 94-year-old Christchurch widow Hannoraugh Johansen.

- NZPA