Police are investigating the circumstances of a death in custody in Christchurch earlier this week.

Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander, said officers were called to a Rakaia address around 1am on Monday, following reports of an intoxicated woman who was in possession of a knife, hurting herself 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,” Superintendent Hill said.

The woman was arrested and transported to the Christchurch Custody Suite.

“She was assessed by a doctor in the Police Custody Suite shortly after 4am, before being placed in a cell,” Superintendent Hill said.

Around 6.50am the woman was found unresponsive in her cell.

“Police immediately notified St John and officers also provided medical assistance. Sadly, attempts to revive her were unsuccessful,” Superintendent Hill said.

“Her death has been referred to the Coroner and the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA).”