A man has been charged with two counts of murder over a double homicide in the Christchurch suburb of Phillipstown this morning.
Emergency services were called to Olliviers Road at around 12.50am.
"Two people died at the scene, while two others were taken to hospital with serious injuries," Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said.
A 58-year-old is set to face two charges of murder, one charge of attempted murder, and one charge of wounding with intent.
He will appear in the Christchurch District Court on Monday.
Reeves said police believed it was an isolated incident and were not seeking anyone else.
"Police want to reassure the public there is no risk to their safety but also appreciate this incident will
"Residents should expect an increased police presence in the coming days and appreciate their co-operation as scene examinations continue."
Anyone who may have seen anything or had CCTV of the area was urged to contact police by calling 105.
A local told 1News said he was woken up by dogs barking, but didn't realise what had happened until this morning.
"I heard two barking dogs and checked my phone, it was 12.30am. I checked the front door camera and could see red flashing lights – I thought it was some kind of medical emergency," he said.
"I didn’t see any blue flashing lights, so I thought there were no police, so there wouldn’t be anything serious."
Another neighbour returned home shortly after emergency services arrived.
"We got home at 1am, and there were a lot of police cars and ambulances. I had to park down the street and walk down the driveway," the neighbour said.
"Overall, you generally feel safe, apart from last night. It makes you feel scared."
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