Emergency services were called to the scene about 2.30am. Photo: RNZ / ADAM BURNS
Police are calling for sightings of a car after a man was found dead on a suburban Christchurch street.
Emergency services were called about 2.30am on Thursday, and a 38-year-old man was found dead on Carisbrooke Street near Portchester Street, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said.
Reeves told reporters at the scene neighbours had called to report an "unusual noise", but would not comment further on what it was.
She said police were now asking for sightings of a White 2006 Toyota Crown sedan (licence plate LEQ895), which may have been driven by the victim.
Police have launched a homicide probe but Reeves would not comment on the man's injuries.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves during a media standup at the Carisbrooke Street police cordon. Photo: RNZ / ADAM BURNS
"Local residents can expect to see a large police presence in the area as a scene examination and area enquiries will commence this [Thursday] morning."
Cordons were expected to be up in the area for some time and Carisbrooke Street was blocked.
"Our focus is now on establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and notifying and supporting the victim's family at this difficult time," Reeves said.
While she would not confirm the man's identity, she said he was a Christchurch man.
A community leader said there was a social stigma about the neighbourhood where the body was found.
Local community board (Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board) member Tim Baker lived in Aranui for more than 50 years. He told RNZ he was saddened by what had happened.
"There's always been the odd ratbag living in the area, but overall it's been a great place to live for me and my family. Crime like that doesn't happen very often in the Aranui area. It does happen occasionally, but not very often."
Police said they wanted to hear from anyone who heard or saw anything unusual in the area about 2am or from anyone who may have CCTV footage.
"If you have heard any unusual sounds or noticed anything unusual in Carisbrook Street around 2am this morning, we would very much like to hear from you," Reeves said.
A post mortem will be held on Friday.