Man charged with murder after body found on State Highway 25A near Thames

Police were at the scene on the Kopu-Hikuai Road (SH25A), a statement said. Photo / File

A man has been charged with murder in relation to the death of a 20-year-old man on Kopu-Hikuai Rd last night.

A police statement said the 23-year-old man will appear in Hamilton District Court today.

While police are still working to establish the circumstances, they do believe the victim and the alleged offender were known to each other, the statement said.

They are also appealing for sightings of two vehicles on Kopu-Hikuai Rd between 6pm and 7.30pm Wednesday; a dark green 1997 Jaguar xJ6 Saloon and a silver 2003 Mazda Bounty double cab ute.

A scene examination is ongoing on Kopu-Hikuai Road today and motorists are thanked for their patience and co-operation.

If you can help police with any information, please get in touch on 105 and quote file number 200806/1185.

Police launched a homicide probe after the body was discovered about 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Detective Senior Sergeant William Loughrin said police would like to hear from anyone who saw vehicles speeding and/or following each other along Kopu-Hikuai Road last night, between 7pm and 7.40pm.

Locals have reported on social media hearing gunshots and of police cars travelling at speed down Paeroa Kopu Rd, south of Thames, shortly after 8pm.

Others reported they'd seen police cars driving along Hayward Rd in nearby Ngatea.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has closed SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai in both directions due to the incident.

The highway was closed from 8.11pm and is expected to remain closed until late afternoon today.

Motorists were advised to take the detour route on SH25 through Coromandel or Whangamata.

SH25A KOPU TO HIKUAI - ROAD CLOSED - 6:15AM
Due to a police incident overnight #SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai is currently CLOSED as police conduct a scene examination. Delay your journey or allow extra time for detour via SH25: https://t.co/IxKc6ovzwm ^TP pic.twitter.com/QrtjsAo3DY

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) August 5, 2020