Head injuries killed teen

A teenager whose body was found on Saturday in a driveway in Murupara, about 65km southeast of Rotorua, died of head injuries, police said.

Kaine Ernest Lewis, 17, of Kaingaroa, was found in the Tawa St driveway about 1.50am.

Rotorua acting area commander Greg Sparrow said a post mortem examination showed that he died of head injuries but police were unable to comment on what caused them.

It was understood he had been involved in a confrontation with one or more of the residents at the address.

Mr Sparrow said police yesterday interviewed Murupara residents and witnesses and continuing forensic examinations.

Earlier he said it was too early to confirm whether there was any gang connection.

- NZPA