A member of the public discovered a bag belonging to murder victim Susan Sutherland in a men's toilet block in the park on the corner of Jerrold Street North and Spencer Street.
The bag was found around 8.15pm last night and brought in to the Central Police station soon after. On investigation it was discovered to belong to Susan Sutherland who is known to have usually carried it. The bag contained personal items. It is not known how long the bag had been there.
"Someone may have seen this bag being left at the toilets in the park, or some person or vehicle acting suspiciously around the toilet area," says Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey. "If anyone was in the toilets since Friday 14 April, could they please contact us so we can work out a time frame of how long it had been there."
It is a black fabric bag with a fold over lid, a shoulder strap and top handle. It is about 30cm wide, and has a round symbol/ sticker on the lid.
Police are conducting inquiries in the area and conducting a scene examination.
"This is one of the main thoroughfares into Christchurch and there are a lot of people travelling through the area. If anyone saw anything in this area that they think could be of use to police, could they please contact us on phone 363 7620."