Sudden death of woman in Te Aroha being investigated

Photo / File

The sudden death of a 28-year-old woman in Te Aroha yesterday is not believed to be linked to other violent incidents in the town over the past week.

Thames Coromandel CIB Detective Sergeant Martyn Hughes said police were called to a Stanley Ave address by ambulance staff shortly after 11.35am yesterday.

"A 28-year-old woman had been found deceased at the address and due to the sudden, unexplained nature of her death the area is currently being subject to a scene examination as we work to establish if there is anything suspicious associated with what has happened.

"The woman's death is not believed to be linked to any other matters that have taken place in Te Aroha in recent days and at this point in time police would like to extend our sympathies to the woman's family for their loss."

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old woman remains in a stable condition in Waikato Hospital's high dependency unit after being shot on Saturday.

She was hit in the chest and legs by a single shot from a gun shortly before 1pm on Saturday in Te Aroha.

Two men were due to face firearms charges yesterday in relation to the incident.

Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley said a 16-year-old man and a 21-year-old man had been arrested and would be appearing in court yesterday in relation to the shooting.

"The 16-year-old youth faces wounding with reckless disregard and unlawful possession of ammunition charges in the Hamilton Youth Court, and the 21-year-old a charge of unlawful possession of pistol in the Hamilton District Court.

"Early indications are that the shooting may have been accidental."