Man found dead in Hagley Park

A man found dead in Christchurch's Hagley Park yesterday was arrested for breaching a liquor ban a day earlier, police say.

Nick John Renouf, a 19-year old student at Canterbury University, was found by a member of the public at lunchtime yesterday in an open drain near Deans Avenue.

Christchurch Area Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor said Mr Renouf had been arrested for a breach of a liquor ban in Riccarton Road at 9.55pm on Wednesday.

"He was processed at the Christchurch Central custody suite and released with a pre-charge warning at around 10.40pm," he Mr McGregor said.

"We have reviewed the process and interviewed officers who dealt with Mr Renouf, and there is no indication that he was impaired in any way.

"He was engaging well with our staff and was in good health at the time he was released."

Mr McGregor said it is believed Mr Renouf made his own way from the station.

Mr Renouf's family are expected to arrive in Christchurch this afternoon from their home in Tauranga.

The case has now been referred to the Coroner, who will make a final determination as to the cause of death.