New Zealand / Crime

Homicide investigation launched after man's death in Te Awamutu

16:47 pm on 16 October 2024

Police on the scene in Te Rahu Rd in Te Awamutu where a homicide investigation is underway. Photo: Natalie Akoorie/RNZ

A homicide investigation is underway after the death of a man in Te Awamutu.

In a statement, police said it received a call to an incident on Te Rahu Road about 11.45pm on Tuesday.

A man was found unconscious and despite medical intervention, he died at the scene.

"Police are very early in our investigation and our focus is on establishing the circumstances leading into the incident and to support the victim's family."

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, police said the man and woman who had been arrested had now been released, but continued to assist police with their enquiries. Police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter, the statement said.

A post-mortem would taken place on Friday, police said.

Earlier on Wednesday, a woman and five younger people were sitting on the side of Te Rahu Road outside the police cordon.

When approached by RNZ, the woman, who has a duvet wrapped around her, said it was her "husband on the side of the road up there".

The woman said she was waiting for her husband's body to be removed and she did not want to talk to anyone.

Police said a scene examination was being carried out and traffic management was in place.

People could expect to see an increased presence of police in the area.

Anyone with information about the man's death was asked to contact police on 105 or online, quoting reference number 241016/0455.

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