Selwyn John Wallace's body was found floating under Wynyard Wharf. Photo / Supplied
The body of a homeless man who was found floating under an Auckland wharf was bound at the wrists and ankles with bungy cord.
Police launched a homicide inquiry on Sunday morning after Selwyn John Wallace's body was found at Wynyard Wharf by a member of the public.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McHattie said officers were keeping an open mind about what happened and despite the case being treated as a homicide it was too early to know if anyone else was involved in the 52-year-old's death.
"Situations that some people outside the police believe should be 'black and white' are often grey."
Mr McHattie said police were trying to track Mr Wallace's final movements and would like to hear from anyone who saw the homeless man between 7.30pm on Saturday and Sunday morning.
Mr Wallace - who had lived in Huntly, Hamilton and Auckland in the months before he died - had a distinctive shuffle and those who saw him before he died described him as being visibly unwell. In the 24 hours leading to his death he was seen walking in Margot St in Epsom, Park Rd in Grafton and Newton Rd in Newton.
"It's also possible he was walking in and around the central city area and the Viaduct Basin during that period, said Mr McHattie.
"It's quite possible that he had visited food outlets and used public transport to assist him to get around the city last weekend."
Mr Wallace had been in the care of Mental Health Services and was known to police, although he had not been in any trouble for several years.
He was found wearing a nylon zip-fronted black, light blue and white striped jacket that had the words "RIP Curl" on the back.
He was also wearing blue jeans and jandals and his wallet - including cash he had withdrawn during the weekend - was still on him when his body was found.
Anyone who has information about Mr Wallace's movements before his death is asked to contact the investigation team on 0800-996-973.
