Alleged Te Atatu van theft: Police name man who died after break-in attempt

Police investigate the scene in Te Atatu Peninsula on Sunday morning. Photo / Dubby Henry

A van owner who was injured while trying to stop two people from breaking into his van - one of whom later died in hospital - was acting in self-defence.

Police say Jason Murray, a 36-year-old from Te Atatu, is believed to have died as a result of injuries he received following a fight with the van owner in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby said police are still investigating the but say the owner was acting in self-defence at the time.

"As we have previously stated, police believe Mr Murray and a second person were attempting to break into a van at a Te Atatu address before an altercation took place between himself and the owner of the van.

"As a result of our enquiries up to this point, we believe that Mr Murray has died as a result of injuries sustained during this altercation.

Libby said the van owner cooperated fully with police.

"We have spoken with him as part of our investigation, while we have also spoken with a number of witnesses.

"Enquiries to date lead Police to believe that his actions were in self-defence. He is understandably distraught and we are ensuring that he is provided with support and welfare at this time."

Libby said police were still trying to find a second person left the scene following the altercation.

"We urge them to come forward and speak with us."

Neighbours told the Herald they heard glass smashing and car tyres spinning as a getaway driver fled, leaving his alleged accomplice fighting with the owner of a van they are thought to have been trying to break into.

The owner of the van was taken to Waitākere Hospital in a moderate condition, but was discharged later that day.

Libby said Murray's death was 'a tragic outcome' and his family have been provided with support.