A person has been confirmed dead following a house fire in Christchurch.
Four fire crews were called to the inferno at the Mcleans Island property just before 7:30pm on Monday.
In a statement early Tuesday afternoon, Canterbury Metro Commander Supt Lane Todd confirmed a body had been found at the scene.
"The property was extensively damaged as a result of the fire," Todd said. "The body is yet to be removed from the property and has not been officially identified."
Todd said police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand would conduct a joint scene examination.
"Due to the nature of the damage, this is expected to take some time as the building is unsafe.
"A priority for us is to ensure the search of the property can be completed in a safe manner."
