Wellington police launch homicide investigation after woman's death

Warwick McKee, detective senior sergeant, has appealed to the individuals seen running from the address to come foward. Photo / Katrina Bennett

Wellington police have launched a homicide investigation into the death of a 30-year-old woman.

Police responded to a disturbance at a residential address on Ward Street, Trentham, just after midnight. The woman, who was believed to be living at the address, had been assaulted with a weapon and found deceased at the address.

Police did not confirm what type of weapon was involved, only that it was not a gun.
A post mortem tomorrow is expected to confirm more details around the circumstances of the death

Police are speaking to a number of witnesses who live in the area of Ward Street, or where around the area, at the time of the incident. Police are seeking three or four men who were believed to have been present at the address at the time of the assault.

"We understand these males were at the victim's address and were heard shouting and seen running from the address," Warwick McKee, detective senior sergeant, said.

"I make this appeal to these individuals - be brave and come forward and tell us what has happened. Police are here to establish the facts of the incident.

"This is a terrible tragedy so close to Christmas and the family is devastated in losing a loved one.

"Along with victim support services, police are engaging with and supporting the victim's family through this very difficult time."

Police are also asking for people to come forward with any information.

"These men who were at the victim's address will be known in the community and information on who they are and where they can be found is needed to help resolve the investigation," McKee said.

"This investigation has a team of 20 investigators who are focussed on gathering evidence and working with the community to resolve this tragedy.

"The Trentham community will see a visible presence of Police while we conduct our inquiry over the next few days.

"Police are working hard to establish the nature of the victim's death and to find the males who were at the scene and to establish who was responsible."

The Operation Archer investigation team is based at Upper Hutt Police Station and can be contacted directly or by ringing (04) 381 2000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.