A homicide enquiry is underway after a deadly shooting in a suburb yesterday evening.
Police were called out to an incident in of Melville, Hamilton, at about 6.20pm after hearing reports were received of an altercation between several males.
Michael James Thompson, 29, was shot at close range.
"The deceased male was fatally injured and died a short time later at Waikato Hospital," police said in a statement.
Police were speaking to several people as part of the investigation and have secured the scene of the shooting. Police advised Melville residents "to be diligent in securing their properties and vehicles and to immediately report any suspicious behaviour" by calling 111.
Victim support and Iwi Liaison personnel were helping members of the dead man's family.
A St John spokeswoman said the man was taken to Waikato Hospital just after 7pm in a critical condition, and police confirmed he died a short time later.