Westport homicide investigation: Man dies after motel altercation

A homicide inquiry is under way after a man died following an altercation at a Westport motel yesterday. Image / Google Maps

A 35-year-old man has been charged and a homicide investigation is under way after the death of a man involved in a Westport motel altercation.

Police responded to an altercation at a Palmerston St motel about 3.10pm yesterday.

A man was found critically injured and was flown to Greymouth Hospital, where he died shortly before midnight.

West Coast area commander Inspector Jacqui Corner said a man was arrested at the scene and charged with wounding with intent to injure.

“A homicide investigation is now under way, however, we are still in the very early stages.

“A scene guard remained in place overnight, and Police will be carrying out a forensic examination of the scene today.

“Westport is a tight-knit community, and this will be felt widely.

“This is a tragic incident, and we are providing support to the victim’s family.

“While we are not seeking anyone else in relation to the victim’s death, members of the community will see an increased Police presence while we carry out our inquiries.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who has information that could assist inquiries.”

Information could be reported online or by calling 105 with the reference number 250731/2741.

Buller District Mayor Jamie Cleine said the incident will come as a “shock to the community”.

“It’s extremely unusual for a serious incident such as that to happen in Westport.

“Palmerston Street is the main street of Westport - and it’s certainly a very high-traffic area.

“And in a small town, news gets around pretty quickly.

“It’s always hard for communities when these things happen right in amongst us,” Cleine said.

A man charged with wounding with intent to injure is expected to appear in the Greymouth District Court today.