Hamilton stabbing: Police appeal for witnesses

Hamilton man Norman Kingi was stabbed after confronting a group who were breaking into a car on Ranui St.

Hamilton police are seeking information about three teenage girls in relation to the death of a man on Friday night.

The trio, wearing dark clothing, were seen walking together in the area of Dinsdale and Nawton, particularly Ranui Street and Ellicott Road, between the hours of 10pm Friday night and 1am Saturday morning.

Hamilton man Norman Kingi was stabbed after confronting a group who were allegedly breaking into a car.

Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said there had been a lot of young people at a party nearby and police were still hoping to speak to anyone who had attended.

Kingi had been walking home from the Frankton Railway Combined Sports Club when he interrupted a group of young people allegedly breaking into a car on Ranui St about 11:30pm.

"During the altercations Mr Kingi has suffered a fatal wound and has subsequently died," Pitkethley said.

Kingi played for the Fairfield United Yellow Bellies over-50 rugby team and was described as a valued member of the Frankton Railway Combined Sports Club. The club postponed its AGM following the news of his death.

Pitkethley is urging people who may have had their vehicle broken into on Friday night or early Saturday morning to contact them as well.

"We also ask that the young people that were present in the area over that timeframe between 10pm and 1am contact police, with their parents or guardians, as soon as possible on 07 858 6200."

Two teenagers will reappear in Hamilton Youth Court on Wednesday, while a third has been referred to Youth Aid for matters relating to the victim's death.