Police are investigating a woman’s death after she harmed herself with a weapon and was tasered by police hours before being found dead in a cell.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said at 1am on Monday police responded to a Rakaia address after reports of an intoxicated woman hurting herself, armed with a knife and threatening harm to others.

“Faced with a tense and dangerous situation, and after unsuccessful appeals for the weapon to be put down, police tasered the woman,” Hill said.

“She was arrested and transported to the Christchurch Custody Suite.”

The woman was assessed by a doctor in the suite shortly after 4am before being placed in a cell.

She was found unresponsive in her cell about 6.50am.

Police immediately notified Hato Hone St John and officers also provided medical assistance.

“Sadly, attempts to revive the woman were unsuccessful.”

The woman’s death has been referred to the Coroner and the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA).