Updated 1:30pm: Christchurch police have arrested and charged a 36-year-old local man, after the death of another man in Woolston.

The body of 41-year-old Simon Prue was found last night on the banks of the Heathcote River.

Detectives are looking for evidence along the banks of the Heathcote River in the suburb of Woolston in Christchurch this morning, as part of a homicide inquiry.

Senior Sergeant Roy Appley said police are making further inquiries into the man's activities.

"The area of riverbank between Richardson Terrace and Hargood street will remain cordoned and police will be operating in that area today conducting a scene inquiry that may well go on all day."

He said what's needed now is more information about what happened.

"As always anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information or images on CCTV camera for example that might be useful to the police are asked to contact Christchurch Central Police Station as soon as possible."