Police investigating unexplained death in Mt Wellington, Auckland park

The death of a man who was found in an Auckland park following a burglary of a nearby hardware store is being treated as unexplained.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said they were called to Bunnings on Ellerslie-Panmure Highway after an alarm had been set off around 1.30am.

Police units were sent to the scene, and cordons were set up around the store while the Eagle was deployed.

Darvill said the crew spotted the man lying in the grounds of the park.

Police are investigating an unexplained death at Sir Woolf Fisher Park in Mt Wellington overnight. Photo / Hayden Woodward

“It appeared the man was not responsive, and units were directed to his location, commencing first aid on him.”

Bunnings Regional Manager, Belinda Ellis, confirmed the burglary happened at the Mt Wellington store.

“As this is a police matter, we won’t comment further at this time.”

Darvill said police are working to see if the man is connected to the burglary, which happened 20 minutes before he was found.

“We are treating the man’s death as unexplained at this very early stage, and expect a post-mortem examination to be carried out today.”

Police arrived at the scene at around 1.30am last night. Photo / Hayden Woodward

“This will determine next steps in our investigation.”

He said a scene examination is being completed at the park, which backs onto Barrack Rd, and police are also continuing to look into the burglary.

“As part of inquiries, police would like to hear from anyone in the area who observed suspicious activity or that has additional information.”

You can update police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250806/9585.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.