Girl, 12, finds her father's body

Lee Ross McMurdo (inset) was found dead outside his home. Police have set up at the property as they try to find his killer. Photos / NZPA, Dean Purcell

The body of a man who is the focus of a homicide inquiry was found by relatives, including his 12-year-old daughter, lying outside his Helensville house.

Lee Ross McMurdo, 32, was found at the property on State Highway 16 north-west of Auckland late on Friday afternoon.

It was not then obvious how he died, and police described it only as an "unexplained death".

After a post-mortem examination yesterday they started a homicide inquiry - but won't say how they think Mr McMurdo died.

The officer leading the inquiry, Detective Inspector Greg Cramer, would not say what the post mortem examination results were, other than that they showed, "someone else may have been involved in his death".

The injuries he had led police to that conclusion.

"Suffice to say we believe the matter is now a homicide."

He would not say how long police believe Mr McMurdo lay dead outside the house before he was found, but the last confirmed sighting of him was at the property early last week.

Police forensic experts were yesterday working underneath a tent set up near the start of the driveway and are likely to be there until at least the middle of the week.

The Herald understands Mr McMurdo's body was discovered when relatives went to the house with his daughter.

The girl was being comforted yesterday by shocked family members, who were waiting for his parents Bruce and Sue McMurdo to arrive from Australia.

Mr McMurdo had three children and has worked as a truck driver.

Upset friends who arrived at the house hours after he was found said he had split from his partner and had been going through a difficult time - enough to cause them concern.

One friend said he'd visited earlier in the week and found the property "in a bit of a state".

Mr Cramer said police had spoken to some family members, who had been helpful.

"What we are missing at the moment is a large chunk of puzzle over the last week or so."

He would not say if Mr McMurdo was known to police but said police did not have a suspect.

"That's why it's important we hear from anyone who has information on his movements."

However, the investigation, dubbed Operation Manu, was at the "very early stages".

"We would like anyone who knew [Mr McMurdo] and anyone who had information on his movements over the last week or more to get in touch with us."

The house is up a driveway and cannot be seen from the road.

A sign saying "Ivydale Gardens" is at the entrance.

POLICE APPEAL

If you have information that can help police on the McMurdo inquiry contact

* Orewa police (09) 426 4555 or

* Operation Manu 0508 006282 or

* Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111