Police have arrested a third person in relation to the alleged robbery of an Ashburton man who was subsequently found deceased.
A 26-year old Ashburton man was arrested today [Thursday 5 June] and will appear in the Timaru District Court tomorrow morning [Friday 6 June], charged with assaulting Arran Gairns with intent to rob, on Saturday 31 May in Ashburton.
Police believe Mr Gairns was the subject of an attempted robbery which is thought to have occurred prior to 4.00am on Saturday 31 May.
His body was located in a drainage run-off area behind commercial premises on West Street, on Sunday afternoon [1 June].
Police have today continued inquiries to locate and speak to persons of interest in relation to events prior to Mr Gairns' death, which is being treated as unexplained.
Some additional forensic examination was carried out today in the wider area near where Mr Gairns' body was found.
ENDS
Detective Senior Sergeant Marion Neill
Mid-South Canterbury Police