The man's body was found on Peter Snell Rd. (file image) Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a young man's body was found on the street in a rural Northland town on Thursday morning.
Police said the 24-year-old's body was found on Peter Snell Road in Ruakākā about 4am on Thursday after reports of an assault.
Detective Inspector Al Symonds said they were following "positive lines of inquiry".
A port mortem and formal identification will be carried out in the coming days, Symonds said.
"Police will likely be able to release more details about the man after these processes have been completed.
"While there are a number of details police are unable to comment on at this stage, we again are reassuring the Ruakākā community that the investigation team is committed to holding those responsible to account.
"We will continue to proactively provide updates as the investigation allows."
A cordon on Peter Snell Road had been lifted.