Police seek help in homicide investigation

Police in Auckland say the killing of a 69-year-old woman is a shocking tragedy, and they need the public's help.

Family members of Cun Xiu Tian, 69, found her body in her Te Atatu home at about 5.30pm yesterday.

She was living with her daughter and son-in-law on Glenvil Lane.

Officers said she died some time after 9.00am yesterday and they could not solve the crime without help from the public.

Police said they had been carrying out a thorough scene examination, and had been canvassing the neighbourhood.

Detective Senior Sergeant Roger Small would not confirm reports that the death stemmed from a botched burglary.

"Look it's very, very early at this stage, that is one avenue of inquiry that we're going to look at but we'll also be looking at a number of possibilities as to what's occurred.

"We're going to be at that scene for many, many days to come and we won't rule out anything, we'll keep a very open mind as this investigation goes forward."

But he believed the death was an isolated incident and there was no specific evidence that the wider community was at risk.

Mr Small said the woman's family were absolutely devastated and were going through a horrific ordeal.

He said Ms Tian had been living in the community for many years.

Her body has today been removed from the scene.

Police would not say how she died.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Henderson police on 09 839 0600.