Police move to allay fears over Ashburton homicide

Canterbury Police investigating the death of Sina Solomona in Ashburton on Saturday say it is highly unlikely the incident was a random attack.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Rae says that all the evidence to date indicates the victim was killed by somebody known to her.

"We do not believe there is any heightened risk to the community," he says. "This does not appear to be a random attack - it is much more likely that the victim was killed by somebody she knew or was familiar with."

Detective Senior Sergeant Rae says a post-mortem examination on the victim was concluded this morning.

"As yet we have not received the pathologists' report, and we are not in a position to comment on any results from the post-mortem."

The forensic examination of the Cass Street residence is continuing, but is expected to conclude late today or tomorrow.

A specialist search team is continuing to comb the area around the property and neighbouring properties, searching for items that may be related to the death. Investigators will also be searching rubbish bins for any items that may have been discarded.

Police are continuing to speak to associates of the victim and people who have come forward with information.

"We are continuing to ask for the public's asistance," Detective Senior Sergeant Rae says. "We particularly want to hear from anyone who has seen anything unusual in the vicinity of Cass Street early on Saturday morning, or who has any other information about the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to urgently contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.