Police have advised that a 26-year old Wellington woman will appear in the Timaru District Court this morning charged with assaulting Arran James Gairns with intent to rob, on Saturday 31 May in Ashburton.
Detective Senior Sergeant Marion Neill of Mid-South Canterbury Police says the woman was arrested overnight as a result of further inquiries late yesterday into Mr Gairns' death.
"Today Police will continue to focus on the events leading up to Mr Gairns' death," she says. "This will include locating other persons who may have been involved in these events."
The body of Mr Gairns was found on Sunday [1 June] in a drainage run-off area behind commercial premises on West Street, Ashburton.
ENDS
Note: Police will not be making any further comment at this stage. An update is expected later today.