Homicide investigation launched into Whangarei death

File photo / NZ Herald

Northland Police have launched a homicide investigation following a violent incident which left a young man dead north of Whangarei last night.

Ambulance services received a call from a home in Balmoral Rd, Tikipunga about midnight, with reports that a man was unconscious after a violent incident.

When police arrived a 25-year-old man at the address was found dead.

The man had suffered a number of injuries, police said.

Another man at the address was taken into custody.

Detective Inspector Kevin Burke said two other people were assisting police with the investigation, dubbed Operation Tide, and police believed they all lived at the same address.

"A scene examination with the assistance of specialists from the ESR will be carried out over the next few days.

"A post mortem is yet to be completed to determine the cause of death, but police believe that they have the weapon used in the assault."

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Whangarei Police on (09) 4304500. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The name of the dead man would be released following his post mortem examination and after his next-of-kin were notified, police said.