Inquiries continue in Ashburton investigation

Police investigating the death of Ashburton man Arran Gairns on Sunday are continuing inquiries to locate and speak to a number of persons of interest.

Detective Senior Sergeant Marion Neill of Mid-South Canterbury Police confirms that Mr Gairns was the subject of an attempted robbery sometime prior to his death.

"We are still working to establish how many people may have been involved, and what their involvement with Mr Gairns has been."

Police are continuing to treat the investigation as an unexplained death, she says.

A 26-year old Wellington woman appeared in the Timaru District Court this morning charged with assaulting Mr Gairns with intent to rob, on Saturday 31 May.

She entered no plea and was remanded on bail to reappear at the Ashburton District Court on 23 June. However she is likely to remain in Police custody overnight as a suitable bail address has not yet been identified.

ENDS

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