Canterbury Police have launched a homicide investigation following the discovery of a man’s body at a Rangiora address.

The man was found in a vehicle at the Tyler Street address, and police were called to the scene at 7.40pm last night

Detective Inspector Joel Syme said police are working to formally identify the victim, and until this process is complete, no further details will be released about the deceased.

Cordons remain in place at the address, and a continued police presence is expected in the area in the coming days.

The discovery of the body is thought to be linked to a missing person.

41-year-old Richard Leman has been missing for 7 days.

A car owned by Leman, was has been found at the address.

In a Give A Little page, Leman’s sister Nicola said Richard was last seen at the Lilly Brook Shops in Rangiora 8.20pm Tuesday 11th April.

There had been no new sightings to date. No contact with family or friends.

She said “he may look rough and tough but he is a big baby at heart and a mummy’s boy, he loves his 3 sons, they mean the world to him as does his Mum and Dad, brother, sisters, nieces and nephews.”

The sister said “our little brother Richard has the kindest heart, loves his children, loves his family and would do anything to help others. We just want him home.”

“We couldn’t just sit and do nothing. We have taken on the search and any and all information we are providing to the police, but as we all know the Police are under-resourced.”

“So we are following up on possible sightings from our social media posts, putting out flyers, and searching daily. We also need to cover his personal costs until he is found.

We realise that times are tough so even a share of this page is so greatly appreciated.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the police via the 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using the Update My Report feature.