Police begin homicide investigation after woman found dead in Miramar house, Wellington

Police at the scene in Wellington's Miramar on Monday afternoon. Photo / Angus Dreaver, RNZ

By RNZ

A homicide investigation has started after the death of a woman in Miramar, Wellington.

Police were called to a property on Totara Rd after 2pm today after a woman in her 60s was found dead at the house.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said police would like to hear from anyone in the Totara Rd area who saw or heard anything suspicious or concerning between early Saturday morning and early Sunday morning.

“Totara Rd residents can expect to see a continued police presence overnight and tomorrow morning, as a scene examination takes place,” Leitch said.

“Cordons will remain in place around the address for the next few days and residents are thanked for their ongoing support and co-operation.”

Police said they do not believe there is any risk to the wider community.

RNZ earlier reported police at the scene and roadblocks in place at the corner of Totara Rd and Napier St.

An eyewitness said he saw four armed officers outside the property on Totara Rd.

Chris Budge said two were beside the car and two beside the letterbox and they looked as if they were ready to go into the house.

“The police were in a significantly defensive pose, rifles drawn, it looked as if they were going in to contain the premises,” Budge said.

He was not surprised to learn that someone had died.

Budge said it was armed patrol officers and not members of the Armed Offenders Squad.

In total, he said there were five police cars at the bottom of Totara Rd and about seven officers outside the house, and unmarked cars had been let through the roadblock.

An RNZ reporter at the scene said a member of the police appeared to be searching for something.

One resident said her child had a piano lesson scheduled at a property just past the roadblock.

She said they were turned away even though the piano teacher came to meet them at the cordon.

If you can assist with Police inquiries, please get in touch via 105 and quote file number 231016/0002.