New Zealand / Crime

David Bridgwater homicide: Police dive squad to search Avon River for firearm

11:25 am on 31 January 2024

The police dive squad searching the Avon River near New Brighton Road. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The police dive squad will be searching part of Christchurch's Avon River in relation to David Bridgwater's death.

Bridgwater, 38, died earlier this month on Carisbrooke Street in Aranui of gunshot wounds.

A homicide investigation, Operation Walter, was launched shortly after.

In a statement, Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie said a firearm is one of a number of items of interest being looked for as part of the investigation.

"Several people have been spoken to and, as the investigation continues, we expect to speak with a number of others and carry out further searches in other areas of interest.

"We are committed to thoroughly investigating the death of Mr Bridgwater."

A stretch of the Avon River police searched on 31 January. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Baillie said the thoughts of police were with his family, including his mother, brother and children who are still searching for answers about his death.

Last week, a 51-year-old woman was arrested and charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.

According to court documents, she was charged with "actively suppressing evidence by preventing access to CCTV data".

She was granted name suppression and remanded in custody.

Her next court appearance was scheduled for February.

Police asked anyone who had information relating to the investigation to contact them on 105 and reference Operation Walter.

Information could also be provided anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.