Two homicide investigations underway

6.00pm

A homicide investigation is under way after the body of a 47-year-old man was found in a pool of blood outside a block of flats in Balclutha early today.

John Gunn Harper, who lived in one the flats, suffered head injuries although the result of a post mortem examination to establish the cause of death was still awaited, police said.

Sergeant Harry Hansen said other residents in the flats heard "banging noises" shortly after midnight although Mr Harper's body was not discovered until about 6.30am.

"We are still interviewing residents to try and find out exactly what happened."

He could not say at this stage if police were looking for a weapon.

"He has got head injuries and we have to look at how he came by them."

Mr Hansen said Mr Harper was a single man.

Auckland police have also launched a homicide investigation after the discovery of a man's body in bushes in Army Bay on Whangaparoa Peninsula, 25km north of the city, today.

A man out walking his dog made the discovery about 9.30am.

No further details were available.

- NZPA