Police have named a 22-year-old woman found dead on Main Rakaia Rd on Sunday.
A homicide investigation was launched after the body of Renee Larissa Duckmanton was discovered by a member of the public.
They say her death is not linked to a number of fires lit along the Selwyn River on Sunday night and have launched a separate investigation into the cause of the fires.
Ms Duckmanton was involved in the sex industry, and police are seeing if that fact is relevant to their investigation. They say she was a "vibrant young lady who was a daughter, a sister and a valued member of her family and much loved".
The investigation is focusing on Ms Duckmanton's movements over the weekend through to when her body was found on Sunday evening.
As part of the investigation into the death, a property was cordoned off today on Kowhai Terrace in the suburb of St Martins in Christchurch. Another scene examination was underway in Bowenvale Ave.
Forensic teams were also examining the scene on Main Rakaia Rd, near State Highway 1. The road has since been reopened.
A post-mortem was carried out today, but police have not made the results public. They say there were extensive burns on Ms Duckmanton's body from nearby fires.
Support has been provided to Ms Duckmanton's family.
Anyone with any information on Ms Duckmanton's whereabouts is asked to contact police on (03) 363 7400 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
