Christchurch police are appealing for public help with a homicide investigation that's left a 16-year-old dead

Officers were called to reports of a firearms incident at a Casebrook address just after 11pm.

However, the boy was already dead when they arrived.

Detective Inspector Michael Ford says a homicide investigation, including a scene examination, is under way to determine what occurred and who is responsible.

He's appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, and can help with inquiries, to come forward.

Anyone with information can call police on 105 or can talk to Crime Stoppers anonymously.