Youth arrested for Ashburton homicide

Police have arrested and charged a youth with the murder of Sina Solomona in Ashburton last Saturday.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Rae says the young person was interviewed by Police last night and has been charged with the murder.

The young person will appear at the Christchurch Youth Court this morning.

Police are unable to provide any further information identifying the young person.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rae says enquiries are continuing at a number of sites of interest to ensure that all relevant information is obtained.

"We are continuing to gather evidence to put together a full picture of the events around Ms Solomona's death," he says.

A number of items relevant to the investigation were located during searches for items of interest yesterday, Detective Senior Sergeant Rae says.

Forensic examination at the Cass Street scene is continuing today but police hope to be able to release the scene back to the family today.

Ms Solomona's body was released to her family yesterday.

Police do not expect to make any further media comment on the investigation today.