Woman found dead at units

Police cordoned off the area and spoke to residents where a woman's body was found last night. Photo / Dave Richards

Man arrested after neighbours report woman's death.

A woman was found dead at a block of council flats last night and a 59-year-old man was arrested shortly afterwards.

Police said they were called to a housing complex in Spreydon, just south of the Christchurch CBD, about 6.30pm when a resident reported the death of a woman.

The woman's body was found outside one of the units in MacGibbon Place, a short cul-de-sac.

Worried residents gathered on the street last night as at least eight police cars arrived and the crime scene was cordoned off.

Police photographers and forensic analysts were called to the street about 10.45pm. The CIB was in charge of the investigation overnight.

Police said a 59-year-old man, who lived in a nearby unit, was found at the complex and offered no resistance when he was arrested.

He was charged with assault and will appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brian Archer said more serious charges would probably be laid. Canterbury Police were not seeking any other people in relation to the death.

Archer said the victim's identity was not yet confirmed but she was certainly a resident of the complex. The cordon was still in place overnight and police said they would carry out a scene examination today. Police investigators also hoped to talk to more local residents today.