Ōpōtiki, Bay of Plenty homicide investigation after ‘gang-related’ stabbing

The death of a man in a “violent altercation” involving gang members in central Ōpōtiki early this morning is being investigated as a homicide, police say.

Emergency services were told a group of around six people were fighting on Church St in the eastern title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/bay-of-plenty/">Bay of Plenty town at about 12.20am, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Varnam said.

“One of those involved had received an injury to the chest consistent with a stab wound.

“Despite medical attention, the man died at the scene.”

No arrests had been made, but police were following lines of inquiry to identify and find those involved, Varnam said.

“It is believed gang members were involved.”

Anyone has any information on what happened, and who hasn’t yet spoken to police, should get in contact, he said.

“We would urge you to do so.”

This can be done by calling the police non-emergency number 105 or going online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105

Information can also be given anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or Crime Stoppers New Zealand.

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