Body found in Bunnythorpe, Palmerston North believed to be Napier man

Bunnythorpe, Palmerston North. Photo/ GoogleMaps

Police have cause for "considerable concern" about the circumstances surrounding the death of a man believed to be from Napier.

The body of the man, believed to be in his 20s, was located on Friday night on the grounds of a residential address in Bunnythorpe, near Palmerston North.

It was believed the man has been missing for a while.

Manawatu Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said the residential address was secured overnight by police.

A scene examination took place on Saturday and continued on Sunday.

"While formal identification is still to be carried out, we believe we know the identity of the man and we are working to speak with his family."

The area had been cordoned off, he said.

"Scene guards are in place and will remain overnight."

Sheridan said a post mortem will be conducted today on the body of the man

Results of the post mortem, which are expected next week, will allow police to both formally identify the man and understand how he died, he said.

"The circumstances of this death are causing us considerable concern and we are carefully and methodically following our processes.

"At this stage we are confident we know who this person is, however there is a formal procedure that must be followed," Sheridan said.

Police were able to allow the man's family to be present while his body was taken from the property.

"This was very important to his whanau and we were pleased we could make this happen."

An update is expected later next week.