North Shore death: Police launch homicide investigation in Northcote

A homicide investigation has been launched after a serious assault in Northcote last night.

Waitematā CIB Detective Inspector Aaron Proctor said police were called to a reported assault at an Akoranga Drive property about 5.30pm.

"Sadly, a man has succumbed to his injuries and has later died.

"Another man suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

"A third man was arrested at the scene last night."

No charges have been laid and a number of inquiries are still under way, Proctor said.

"Police have a scene guard at the address on Akoranga Drive today while a scene examination takes place.

"A post-mortem will take place with formal identification procedures to be carried out."

Police said they were unable to comment about the man's identity until this has been completed and next of kin notified.

"While this incident would have been alarming for the community, police would like to reassure them that at this early stage we are not seeking anyone else," said Proctor.

Police have asked anyone with information that may help the investigation to call police on 105.

Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

'Help me'

A man was heard screaming 'help, help, help me' before police arrived at the house.

Te Aroha Devon was walking on Akoranga Drive last night when she heard someone screaming from a house.

"There was a gentleman across the road in the house, on the second floor who was yelling for help," said Devon, who was walking home from the nearby Auckland University of Technology campus.

"He was yelling 'Help, help, help me'. He would not say what was wrong," she said.

A tent outside the property this morning. Photo / Emma Russell

"There was an older gentleman on the ground outside looking up at him, pointing at him, trying to talk to him. I couldn't hear what he was saying.

"I think he was signalling him to hold on and to wait."

Police said yesterday it appeared the people involved were known to each other. "Police are speaking with witnesses and working to understand the circumstances of this incident."

Another witness told the Herald at least 10 police cars were at the scene last night.

"There was at least three ambulances earlier, but there are two here now and a manager."

Two police officers were this morning guarding the property.

The area has been cordoned off with "police emergency" tape.

A Waitemata Police District blue tent has been set up in the driveway of the Akoranga Drive property, where three cars are parked outside the front door.

Lights are on inside the two-storey brick house and the curtains are closed.

Two police cars are parked on street to the left of the property.

Apart from the sound of dozens of cars driving to work, it's quiet. No pedestrians have been passing the property.

A police officer at the scene said they arrived about 7am to secure the property. She said police were guarding the property overnight but couldn't comment further.