Manawatu death treated as suspicious

Police were called to the units in Palmerston North after a member of the public discovered the body. Photo / Manawatu Guardian

Police are moving into the second phase of a homicide investigation after a man's body was found outside a Manawatu block of units yesterday.

Police were called to the Taieri Court units in Palmerston North at 7.30am after a member of the public discovered the body.

The death is being treated as suspicious.

The body was removed from the scene late yesterday afternoon and a post mortem would be conducted at Wellington Hospital this morning, Detective Sergeant Craig Sheridan said.

"We made some good progress yesterday with our area inquiries and officers spoke with a large number of residents in the surrounding area.

"Today we will widen our inquiry area in an effort to gather as much information as possible," Mr Sheridan said.

The scene examination is ongoing and is expected to be complete by tonight.

A blessing will occur at the scene once the examination is complete.

Police were not in a position to confirm the dead man's identity but "progress is being made" so the man's family could be informed as soon as possible, Mr Sheridan said.

A further update is expected this afternoon.