Police confirm death of two from Israel

3 March, 2011 - 11:41

Police have confirmed the names of two more people who have died in Christchurch. They are:

Ofer Levy, male, aged 22 from Israel

Gabi Moshe Ingel, male, aged 23 from Israel.

Acting District Commander Sam Hoyle said the number of confirmed dead has increased to 161 with the recovery of a body overnight.

Of the 161, 90 were found in the CTV building, 14 in the PGC building and the remainder from other locations around the city.

Superintendent Hoyle said Police were meeting with families everyday. The families had also met with USAR, Coronial and DVI team representatives and provided them with as much information as possible to help them understand the identification process.

"We fully understand the necessity of providing families with information and explaining why we have to be sure we have the correct identities of those who have died."

In the last 24 hours, the Coroner has released seven bodies to families. The names will be released as soon as next of kin have been advised.

"There are still around 200 people missing. There may still be some names not on the list and there may be some names on the list where those people are alive and well. We have seven detectives working fulltime on this list."

The New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione arrives in Christchurch at 2pm today to visit his staff, visit the area and speak to visiting specialist groups.

One man was arrested overnight for burglary in the CBD. The man lives within the cordon and took honesty boxes, food and watches from a shop in Barbados Street.

"We still have a strong Police presence in the CBD along with defence personnel to catch these people. They will be dealt with through the courts."

An Auckland policing unit is arriving in Christchurch today to boost police numbers.

ENDS

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