Homicide investigation after attack victim dies

A Wanganui woman who was beaten and left with serious head injuries died in hospital in the early hours of this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann said the 44 year-old had undergone neurological surgery at Wellington Hospital.

Her life support was turned off late last night and she died this morning.

Mr Bensemann said a post-mortem examination would be carried out this afternoon.

He said the investigation into her attack had now been upgraded to a homicide.

A 43-year-old Wanganui woman has already appeared in court on a charge of common assault and a 22-year-old Wanganui man is facing a charge of being an accessory after the fact to common assault.

Mr Bensemann said more serious charges would be laid.

Mr Bensemann said the woman facing charges would reappear in Wanganui District Court tomorrow and the man was due to re-appear on March 3 but that could now be brought forward.

Police have not yet named the dead woman.

- NZHERALD STAFF