Police are reminding people to check on each other, after a mother and son were found dead in a Christchurch home

Beverley McIlraith was in her 80s and Nick McIlraith his 40s.

They were found dead in separate rooms in their Riccarton home on Saturday night.

It's understood the bodies had been there for a number of days - with uncollected mail falling out of the letterbox when Police arrived.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price is asking people to take the time to check on their neighbours.

He says things like overgrown gardens and overflowing mailboxes are a red flag that something may not be right.