Arrest follows Tauranga man's death

Lance Scullin died after an altercation in Merivale on Saturday night.

A man has been arrested in relation to the assault on Lance Michael Scullin in Tauranga on Saturday.

A 32-year-old unemployed Tauranga man will appear in the Tauranga District Court today charged with intent to injure, common assault, and participating in an organised criminal group.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said the cause of Mr Scullin's death was yet to be determined, but pathology results indicated it was not as a direct result of the assault.

"There has clearly been an assault and hours later Mr Scullin has died but the injury does not appear to have caused his death,'' he said.

"Our investigation is continuing but at this stage we do not anticipate more serious charges.''

This morning's arrest comes after a number of search warrants were executed in Merivale and Greerton, Mr Turner said.

"We have identified a number of offenders who we are activity seeking.

"Those people are aware that they are wanted by police and we encourage them to present themselves at a Western Bay of Plenty Police station at an early opportunity.''

Police have also found a fence paling believed to have been a weapon in the assault.

It was found on a property in Merivale and handed in to police this morning after the finder became aware of its possible significance.

Police still want to hear from anyone in the area on Saturday night or Sunday morning who has any information. Contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.