MEDIA RELEASE
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11am 28 February 2011

More names release

Police have confirmed the names of two more victims of the Christchurch earthquake. They are:

Natasha Sarah HADFIELD, age 38, of Kaiapoi
Owen Morris WRIGHT, age 40, of Lyttelton

The number of confirmed deaths is now 148, but that number is expected to increase.

The priority remains working as fast as possible to make formal identifications and bring families more information about their loved ones.

In the past few hours Police have assisted with an evacuation of properties in Kinsey Terrace and Clifton Terrace in Redcliffs, due to concerns about the stability of a cliff-face. This is now being assessed by geologists.

There were two arrests overnight on earthquake related charges.

One person was charged with breach of a cordon.

The other was charged under the Civil Defence Emergency Act of falsely representing himself to Civil Defence, by impersonating a USAR officer, and also charged under the Crimes Act with possession of offensive weapons, namely knives, a police baton, and an axe.

Police will take action against offenders.

New Zealand and Australian Police, assisted by Defence Force personnel, are continuing to actively patrol suburban areas - targeting offenders and giving support to local communities.

Our family meetings will continue today and we continue to provide support through our family liaison team.

Ends

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