Canterbury police are staying tight lipped on whether a prisoner was fatally attacked by gang members.
A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of Benton Parata, who was hospitalised after an assault in Christchurch men's prison last week.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Worner says they're open to all possibilities on exactly what happened while they investigate.
"Police are investigating and it's our intention to establish the facts of what took place. We're speaking to a number of prison staff and prisoners at Christchurch men's prison."
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Worner says his family are still coming to grips with what's happened.
"This is a tragic situation for the family of Mr Parata and they are grieving. Police are working with the family as are victim support."
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