28 Apr 2016

Body found by Canterbury lake was set alight

4:17 pm on 28 April 2016

The man whose body was found near a Canterbury lake earlier this week had been brutally assaulted and his body set alight, police say.

Adriana Weber interviewing an officer about drink driving.

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Marcus Luke Tucker, 36, from Christchurch, was found on Drain Road in Doyleston, south of Christchurch, on Monday morning.

Canterbury Police are continuing to investigate the death and have confirmed Mr Tucker's body was burned after his death.

They said they were continuing to provide support to Mr Tucker's family as the investigation progressed, and were committed to finding the person or people responsible.

"Police are aware that there is a lot of interest in the local community and media about the circumstances of Mr Tucker's death, and that this is prompting a certain amount of rumour and speculation," Detective Inspector Tom Fitzgerald said in a statement.

"This includes various speculative theories about the possible circumstances surrounding Mr Tucker's death.

"This speculation, while understandable, is extremely difficult for Mr Tucker's family, and is also not helpful to the police investigation."

Officers did not believe there was any risk to the wider community.