Wairarapa murder probe launched

Police have launched a homicide inquiry after the body of a man was found in an Ormond St home in Woodville on Sunday afternoon.

Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Woodville.

Officers were called to a house in Ormond St, where the man's body was found just after 3pm on Sunday.

The body was removed from the property yesterday afternoon.

A local kaumatua performed a blessing and karakia at the property as the body was removed.

Central District crime manager acting Detective Inspector Dave Kirby said formal identification and a post mortem were yet to be completed.

"The deceased male is believed to be in his late 40s and officers are working closely with his family and supporting them through this difficult time.

"We are in an information gathering phase at this stage and I am confident that we will have a clearer picture of the circumstances that led up to the man's death in the coming days."

Preliminary witness accounts indicated that an altercation had taken place, police said.

A number of people had been at the Ormond St property earlier that afternoon and police would like anyone who saw any activity at the address to come forward.

The scene was still under guard yesterday while police continued their examination.

A team of 20 police staff, including officers from Whanganui and Taranaki, are working on the inquiry, as well as forensic specialists.

Police were continuing to speak to residents at neighbouring properties, as well as witnesses and "persons of interest".

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Claire Adkins on (06) 210 2201 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.