The body of the man recovered from the Waimakariri River bank yesterday has been identified as Phillip John MULLALY, also known as Phillip John GRIMWOOD, aged 36 of Christchurch.
Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Wormald says that the post mortem is not yet complete and is continuing this morning.
The body was discovered at 8.10am yesterday 31 August, 1 km downstream of the old Waimakariri Bridge, on the river bank. The body showed signs of having been immersed in water. The body was removed from the scene around 11am yesterday.
The inquiry team is keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anyone walking near the old Waimakariri Bridge, or on the bridge between 11.30pm Tuesday night and 8am Wednesday morning, or any activity of people or vehicle in this area around these hours.
Mr Mullaly is described as a caucasian 36 years old, 170cm tall (5'7"), and of slim build.
Note: A van was recovered about 12km upstream in the Waimakariri River last weekend but at this stage it is not believed to have any significance to the inquiry.