Victim of 'unprovoked attack' named

The house in Second Ave, Whangarei, where police are carrying out a scene examination after a man died of serious head injuries. PICTURE/NZME

A father of three who died after an apparently unprovoked attack at his Whangarei property has been named by police.

Michael Patrick Griffin, 56, was found with serious head injuries at his home on Second Ave about 8am yesterday.

He was taken to Whangarei Hospital, where he died last night.

Mr Griffin was a father to three adult sons, police said.

A homicide investigation has been launched.

Police said a post mortem examination was being carried out today to establish the cause of death.

Detective Inspector Kevin Burke said it was a priority to find who had caused the injuries.

"This appears to be an unprovoked attack on the victim, who was working on his property at the time."

Police said it was believed the assault took place early yesterday.

Mr Burke said police had received a good response from the community.

Anyone with information on Mr Griffin, or any incidents in and around Second Ave between 2pm on Saturday and 8am yesterday, was urged to call Whangarei police.