ATTRIBUTE TO DETECTIVE SUPERINTENDENT PETER READ
The Police investigation into the collapse of the CTV building in Christchurch is continuing, however Police now do not expect to make any decisions regarding the investigation outcome until 2016.
Police announced in September this year that one phase of the investigation was a physical re-build and testing of critical elements of the building structure.
It has taken longer than anticipated to make the necessary arrangements for this, given it involves complex technical matters involving outside experts.
Police now expect to receive the full analysis of this testing in early 2016. These findings will form part of the overall investigation, which has already interviewed over 100 witnesses and executed a number of search warrants.
Once all the relevant information is to hand Police will be in a position to make final decisions regarding any criminal culpability. We reiterate that this is a very complex inquiry, and the focus is to ensure a meticulous approach is taken to gathering the necessary information required by the enquiry team.
Police are unable to put any firm timeframes on when a final decision will be announced, however Police anticipate providing a further update in the first quarter of 2016.
The victim’s families have been advised of this update.
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Media please note that no interviews will be given in relation to this statement.