Man dumped at hospital at centre of AOS call out

Police say the man who died after being left at Tauranga Hospital was linked to an Armed Offender Squad call out in Gate Pa yesterday. Photo/George Novak

Police have confirmed the man who was dropped at Tauranga Hospital and died moments later was likely linked to a subsequent Armed Offender Squad call out yesterday. The man had been left at the hospital's emergency department at 12.20pm suffering from critical injuries. Despite efforts from hospital staff he died a short time later.

About 3pm police shut down Wilrose Place, off Courtney Rd, as members of the AOS investigated a business.

Armed police searched around business premises inside the cordon. That included looking inside and underneath skip bins, recycling containers, cars and also over a boundary fence down towards a water-filled culvert.

One man said he had been asked by a police officer whether he had a heard a shot but confirmed he had not, although he was busy working inside his workshop.

Police late last night said they believe the man had been at a Wilrose Place address prior to being dropped at the hospital.

In a statement, police said they were working to establish how the man sustained the injuries and would like to hear from anyone who was in the Wilrose Place area yesterday.

People are asked to contact Detective Inspector Lewis Warner at Tauranga police station on 07 577 4300 or provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.